Invicta International Airlines

Invicta International Airlines Ltd

Company type	Private
Industry	Aviation
Founded	November 1964
Founder	Hugh Kennard
Defunct	8 April 1982
Fate	Insolvent, receivers appointed; assets acquired by Seabourne Aviation
Headquarters	Manston , United Kingdom
Area served	United Kingdom and international charter destinations
Key people	Hugh Kennard (founder), Horatio De Gama Rose (owner from 1980)
Products	Passenger and cargo charter flights

Invicta International Airlines Ltd was a charter airline based at Manston Airport in the United Kingdom. It provided unscheduled passenger and cargo flights from 1965 until it ceased operations in 1982.

Invicta Airways (1964–69)

Invicta Airways Limited was established in November 1964 by Hugh Kennard following his acquisition of his former enterprise, Air Ferry. An initial operational base was set up at Ramsgate Airport.

On 12 February 1965, two Vickers Viking aircraft were bought from Autair International Airways, with an additional pair of Douglas DC-4 planes obtained from British Eagle International Airlines later that same month.

Training for flight crews commenced on 3 March, and the airline’s inaugural revenue service took place on 20 March—a Viking charter flight to Basle, Switzerland. The first cargo mission was completed on 30 March, delivering lamb carcasses to Metz on behalf of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

In 1965, Invicta successfully contested a lawsuit filed by a former employee who claimed unsafe flying conditions.

After Air Ferry withdrew its Vikings in January 1966, Invicta acquired three of those Vikings, although one was retained solely for spare parts. Throughout April, several DC-4 aircraft were leased to expand the fleet. Following an accident involving DC-4 G-APID in June, a replacement aircraft was dry-leased from Lloyd International Airways.

By late 1967, some planes were retired or repurposed; notably, DC-4 G-APID was sold and eventually converted into a snack bar in Spain. Vikings such as G-AHOW and others were withdrawn from service and dismantled.

In early 1968, Invicta introduced two Vickers Viscount turboprop aircraft to its lineup while gradually retiring the older Vikings.

On 3 January 1969, Invicta declared a merger with British Midland, which took effect on 18 March. Following this, British Midland operated passenger flights using Viscounts, whereas Invicta continued cargo operations under the "British Midland - Invicta Cargo" brand utilizing DC-4s.

Invicta International Airlines 1969–82

Shortly after merging with British Midland, Kennard reversed the transaction by selling back the cargo division and establishing Invicta Airways (1969) Ltd. This new entity focused on three DC-4 aircraft (G-ASPM, G-ASPN, G-ASEN), as the Viscounts had been transferred to British Midland.

By 1970, the older DC-4s were being phased out in favor of larger capacity aircraft. Due to dockworker strikes in the UK increasing air freight demand, Invicta leased a Vickers Vanguard G-AXNT from Air Holdings on 10 October and marketed its fleet under the name Invicta Air Cargo.

In February 1971, DC-4 G-ASEN was sold to Wenela. The Vanguard fleet expanded with leases of G-AXOO and G-AXOP from Air Holdings in March and May respectively, prompting a rebranding to Invicta International.

Further adjustments occurred in 1972 when Vanguards G-AZRE and G-AXOY were leased while DC-4s G-ASPN and G-ASPM were sold to Africair—the last DC-4s registered for civil use in the UK.

By early 1973, financial difficulties caused suppliers to suspend credit. In January, Air Holdings repossessed all five of Invicta’s Vanguards. The European Ferries Group acquired a controlling interest of 76% in February and arranged deferred payment plans for the aircraft. However, Vanguard G-AXOO’s Certificate of Airworthiness lapsed and it was subsequently scrapped.

On 10 April 1973, Vanguard G-AXOP crashed in Switzerland resulting in numerous fatalities. Vanguard G-AYFN was leased as a replacement and later purchased. Additional Vanguards were sourced from Canada for spare parts. On 3 November, Boeing 720B G-BCBA arrived at Manston under lease arranged by European Ferries after Middle East Airlines declined their option.

In May 1974, European Ferries acquired Boeing 720 G-BCBA outright; it underwent a two-month refurbishment in the US which included installation of seats and windows. In June, Vanguard G-BAFK was leased from Air Holdings; by December, Bristol Britannia G-AOVT was leased from Monarch Airlines.

1975

On 10 March 1975, Monarch retired Britannia G-AOVT, which was subsequently preserved at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford. In May, European Ferries declared their intention to cease aviation operations by October. Vanguard G-AYRN was sold to Europe Air Service and delivered to Perpignan on 29 August, followed by the disposal of Vanguards G-AXNT, G-AXOY, and G-AZRE. Notably, G-AXOY conducted the final UK passenger Vanguard flight on 26 October 1975, performing a one-hour scenic trip from Luton. Later in December, Universal Air Transport Sales Ltd, led by chairman Hugh Kennard, acquired the goodwill and assets of Invicta and arranged a lease of two Britannias through IAS Cargo Airlines.

Starting 1 January 1976, Britannia G-AOVS was leased from IAS, with G-AOVF joining under an ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) contract on 22 January, operating under IAS call signs. G-AOVS was returned to IAS on 13 June. The following day, 14 June 1976, Britannia 5Y-AZP was wet-leased from Monarch.

Invicta purchased Britannia 308F 5Y-AZP on 7 January 1977 and re-registered it as G-ANCF. Subsequently, G-AOVF was returned to IAS in September. Until November 1978, G-ANCF handled all Invicta operations before the company acquired G-AOVF from IAS.

Both Britannias underwent repainting in January 1979. Invicta took part in the summer Broadstairs Water Gala airshow where G-AOVF executed a low-level flypast on three engines; its port side was deliberately covered in oil while the starboard side faced the spectators.

1980s

At the start of 1980, Kenyan entrepreneur Horatio De Gama Rose acquired Invicta. Hugh Kennard departed to establish a classic car restoration business in Canterbury. Britannia G-ANCF was withdrawn from service on 30 October 1980, leaving only G-AOVF operational. By December, G-AOVF was leased to IAC Cargo Airlines based in Zaire, repainted and re-registered as 9Q-CAZ.

G-AOVF returned from its lease on 16 June 1981. De Gama Rose negotiated a sale of Invicta to Redcoat Air Cargo; however, the agreement fell through when Redcoat ceased operations in December 1981. On 8 April 1982, Invicta was declared insolvent and receivers were appointed. At that time, the remaining Britannia G-AOVF was undergoing maintenance before being cannibalized for parts.

Ownership of the aircraft transferred to the Official Receiver on 28 August 1982. Invicta’s assets were subsequently acquired by Seabourne Aviation. By February 1983, G-AOVF had been restored sufficiently for a ferry flight to London Southend Airport. In 1984, it was flown to Cosford where it is now preserved at the Aerospace Museum. Meanwhile, G-ANCF was dismantled in 1984; it had been stored at Kemble with plans for restoration at Liverpool John Lennon Airport announced in 2007.

Accidents and incidents

• 15 April 1965: Viking G-AHOY tipped forward onto its nose at Manston causing damage to propellers and tailwheel; engine replacement was required.
• 2 August 1965: Viking G-AHPL nosed over during an aborted takeoff at Manston; repairs took approximately one month.
• 20 June 1966: DC-4 G-APID suffered nosewheel collapse while taxiing for departure from Manston.
• 10 April 1973: Invicta International Airlines Flight 435, a Vickers Vanguard 952 flying from Bristol to Basle-Mulhouse, crashed near Hochwald, Switzerland; this accident resulted in 108 fatalities with 37 survivors. Many passengers were residents of Somerset villages.
• 3 May 1975: During a flight from Luton to Exeter, Vanguard G-BAFK’s control column detached mid-air; the co-pilot managed a safe landing.
• 5 April 1980: On takeoff from Ponta Delgada, Britannia G-AOVF’s starboard landing gear failed to retract; after a safe landing at Manston an inspection revealed a crack in the bogie beam.

Fleet details

Year	Viking	DC-4	Viscount	Vanguard	Boeing 720B	Britannia
1965	2	2	-	-	-	-
1966	4	6	-	-	-	-
1967	5	5	-	-	-
1968	2	3	2	-	-	-
1969	-	3	2	-	-	-
1970	-	3	-	1	-	-
1971	-	3	-	3	-	-
1972	-	2	-	5	-	-
1973	-	-	-	6	1	-
1974	-	-	-	5	1	1
1975	-	-	-	5	1	1
1976	-	-	-	-

Vickers Viking

G-AHOW

Vickers Viking Series 1A, construction number 124. Made its inaugural flight on October 4, 1946. Initially served British European Airways, later passed through operators including the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Trans World Charter. Purchased by Invicta in October 1966, taken out of operation in September 1967, and dismantled by 1969.

G-AHOY

Viking Mark 1, c/n128. First took to the skies on October 26, 1946. Served British European Airways and the Ministry of Civil Aviation before being sold to Hunting Air Travel and subsequently Pegasus Airlines. Leased to Autair during the early 1960s. Joined Invicta's fleet in February 1965; retired from service in February 1969.

G-AHPL

Viking Mark 1B, c/n149. Delivered to British European Airways in April of 1947. Later transferred to Eagle Aviation and Central African Airways Corporation, then Pegasus Airlines. Temporarily leased to Autair prior to Invicta's acquisition in February 1965. Decommissioned in May of 1967.

G-AIVF

Viking Mark 1B, c/n219. Operated by British European Airways starting May 1947, then sold to Deutsche Flugdienst and Balair, including a lease period with the United Nations. Purchased by Air Ferry in April of 1963 and then acquired by Invicta in March of 1966. Withdrawn from use in May of 1968 and scrapped by September that year.

G-AOCH

Viking Mark 1B, c/n150. Initially served with the Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force before entering civilian operations with Field Aircraft Services and Dragon Airways. Later operated by LTU and Air Ferry prior to Invicta's purchase in March of 1966. Taken out of service in July of 1968 and dismantled later that year.

Douglas DC-4

G-APID

C-54 Skymaster Douglas C-54A-15-DC, construction number10408. Delivered on September20,1944 to the United States Army Air Forces as serial42–72303. Sold in1947 to California Eastern Airways with registration NC54305. Leased during1952 to Avensa (YV-V-EVB), then returned to California Eastern Airways. Leased July–September1957 to Transocean Airlines. Sold November24,1957 to Independent Air Travel (G-APID). On December21,1957 forced landing at Valona Air Base due to airspace violation by Albanian Air Force. Independent Air Travel rebranded as Blue Air (UK) in April1959 but ceased operations by October that year. Sold November1959 to Continental Air Services (later Continental Air Transport); painted in Air Condor livery but never delivered due to bankruptcy. Sold subsequently to Trans World Leasing; leased sequentially to World Wide, British United Airways, Starways, and Lloyd International Airways before returning March1962. Experienced wheels-up landing at Speke Airport October18,1962. Leased July1963–January1965 to Trans Meridian and March1965–February1966 to Dan-Air. Sold April1966 to Dunkersloom Ltd., then transferred to Invicta. Sold August1967 to Spantax. Retired by April1968; repurposed as "Aerolandia Snack Bar" at Sevilla by December1976; damaged during late1978 gale and later scrapped.

G-ARWK

Douglas C-54G-1-DO, c/n35936 Delivered June12,1945 as USAAF serial45-483. Sold1954 to United States Steel Corporation (N904). Leased December1956 by Trans American Airways for Hungarian Revolution airlift operations. Sold June1958 to Charlotte Aircraft Leasing; immediately leased to Seaboard & Western Airlines. Subsequent leases included Resort Airlines and Riddle Airlines. Sold January1962 to Alaska Airlines and then May1962 to Lloyd International (G-ARWK). Sold December1965 to IPEC Aviation but not imported into Australia. Leased June–August1966 respectively to Invicta and Autair. Sold November1967 to All-Air (re-registered D-ADAD); merged with Transportflug March1969 with aircraft named Inn. Sold August1969 to Aeroflete (EC-BSK). Withdrawn during the1970s; sold1975 to Agence et Messageries Aerienne du Zaire (AMAZ), re-registered9Q-COC. Retired April1981 at N'Dolo Airport Kinshasa; later scrapped.

G-ASEN

Douglas C-54A-15-DC, c/n10412 Delivered September1944 as USAAF serial42–72307; returned June1946 for conversion into DC-4 standard. Transferred February1947 to Pan American World Airways (NC88936), named Clipper Meteor. Sold1950 to Canadian Pacific Air Lines (CF-CPD), later transferred to Cathay Pacific (VR-HFF). Sold January1963 to Starways; January1964 sold again for Aviation Overhauls. Leased May–November1964 first by Icelandair (TF-FIM) then ACE Freighters for Ford Motor Company operations. Sold April1966 to Invicta; subsequently sold February1971 to Wenela (ZS-IJT). Scrapped at Bulawayo Airport Rhodesia in1972.

G-ASPM

Douglas C-54B-1-DC, c/n10543 Delivered January1945 as USAAF serial42–72438. Sold March1946 to Transocean Airlines (NC66644/N66644). Purchased June1952 by Saudi Arabian Airlines (HZ-AAI). Acquired February1964 by British Eagle International Airlines (G-ASPM); sold February1965 to Invicta. In September1972 sold first to Africair (ZS-IRK), then Wenela same year before being withdrawn until re-registration A2-AAD in1975. Sold1976 onwards operated under Société Générale d'Alimentation (9Q-CWQ). Stored at Kinshasa as of2004.

G-ASPN

Douglas C-54A-10-DC, c/n10337 Originally assigned USAAF serial42-72232 but transferred July1944 to US Navy as R5D-1 Bu39175. Sold1948 to Transocean Airlines (NC49288); leased September1948 to Pakair (AP-ADL); returned late1949 named Taloa Tokyo. Purchased June1952 by Saudi Arabian Airlines (HZ-AAG); acquired February1964 by British Eagle International Airlines (G-ASPN); sold February1965 to Invicta. Damaged January1971 during gale at Manston; sold April1972 first Africair Ltd (ZS-IRE), then June1972 Wenela (A2-ZGU). Impounded at Blantyre Malawi; later transferred under Société Générale d'Alimentation as9Q-CBP/9Q-CWP. Withdrawn July1991 following engine failure at N'djili Airport Kinshasa.

G-ASZT

Douglas C-54D-1-DC, c/n10640 Originally intended for USAAF as serial42–72535 but reassigned March1945 to US Navy as Bu91997 R5D-3 variant. Sold1958 to Americada Corporation (N40434A), followed by Golden State Airlines ownership; leased July1959–June1960 by Slick Airways. Sold April1962 through Seefahrt-u-Transportinteressen GmbH (D-AMAX), Flugzeug Handels Malta Metropolitan (VP-MAA), then January1965 Autair (G-ASZT). August1965 sold onward to Rhodesian Air Services (VP-YYR), then January1966 Air Trans Africa (9J-RBL). Returned March1966 Autair and leased April1966 by Invicta; returned September1967 Autair again. May1968 sold Aero Service Africa (TN-ABC), October1968 Lina Congo, September1974 SOACO (TR-LTJ), followed by1980 INCO International before final sale July1980 to Air Affaires Gabon.

Vickers Viscount

G-AOCB

Vickers 755D Viscount, construction number 92. The aircraft's maiden flight occurred on 24 May 1956. Originally designated for Airwork as G-AOCB, it was never delivered to them. On 5 June 1956, it was sold to Cubana de Aviación and re-registered as CU-T604. In April 1961, it changed hands to Eagle Airways (Bermuda) Ltd and received the registration VR-BBL. On 19 September 1962, the plane was acquired by Cunard Eagle Airways, reverting to the registration G-AOCB and given the name City of Edinburgh. After Cunard Eagle was renamed British Eagle in September 1963, the aircraft was later renamed City of Belfast. It was sold on 26 March 1968 to Invicta and subsequently transferred to British Midland Airways following a merger on 13 January 1969. The aircraft was retired in October 1969 at East Midlands Airport and dismantled in May 1970.

G-AOCC

Vickers 755D Viscount, construction number 93. Its first flight took place on 16 June 1956. Intended for Airwork under the registration G-AOICC, it was not delivered to them. On 20 June 1956, it was sold to Cubana de Aviación with the registration CU-T605. In April 1961, ownership passed to Eagle Airways (Bermuda) Ltd and it was re-registered VR-BBM. On 3 September 1962, the aircraft joined Cunard Eagle Airways, gaining the registration G-AOCC and named City of Belfast. Following Cunard Eagle's rebranding as British Eagle in September 1963, this aircraft was later called City of Edinburgh. It was sold to Invicta on 1 February 1968 and named Sylt. After merging with British Midland Airways on 13 January 1969, it transferred accordingly. The aircraft was withdrawn from service in April 1969 at East Midlands Airport and scrapped by August that year.

Vickers Vanguard

G-AXNT

Vickers V952 Vanguard, construction number 737. The first flight occurred on 19 April 1961. Delivered on 2 May 1961 to Trans-Canada Air Lines as CF-TKN; this airline became Air Canada in June 1964. It was sold to Air Holdings on 28 August 1969 and re-registered as G-AXNT. Late in 1969, British European Airways performed an overhaul. The aircraft was leased to Lebanese Air Transport from May to September 1970; subsequently leased to Invicta in October 1970 and bought outright in March 1971. In October 1975, it was sold to Europe Aero Service, re-registered F-BXOO for use as a source of spare parts at Perpignan.

G-AXOO

Vickers V952 Vanguard, construction number 733. Its maiden flight took place on 19 April 1961. Delivered in May of that year to Trans-Canada Air Lines as CF-TKJ; this carrier became Air Canada in June 1964. Sold in June 1969 to Air Holdings and stored at Stansted/Cambridge Airports. Early in 1970, it was leased to Angkasa Civil Air Transport, receiving the registration PK-ICC before returning in May. Sold to Invicta in March 1971. The certificate expired in February 1973; the aircraft was dismantled at Manston in 1977.

G-AXOP

Vickers V952 Vanguard, construction number 745. First flown in May 1962 and delivered that July to Trans-Canada Air Lines as CF-TKV; the airline changed its name to Air Canada in June 1964. Sold in May 1969 to Air Holdings and stored at Stansted Airport. Leased by Invicta starting May 1971 and purchased outright in March 1973 after the lease concluded. The aircraft crashed in April of that year near Hochwald, Switzerland, resulting in the loss of all 108 onboard.

G-AXOY

Vickers V952 Vanguard, construction number 727. Its initial flight occurred in October 1960 with delivery following December to Trans-Canada Air Lines as CF-TKD; renamed Air Canada in June '64. Sold to Air Holdings in August '69 and stored at Stansted Airport. During the mid-1970s, it was leased by Air Viking and Thor Air Cargo. Leased again by Invicta in May '72 and purchased that March; a planned lease with Silver City Airways was canceled. Sold November '76 to Europe Aero Service for parts at Perpignan.

G-AYFN

Vickers V952 Vanguard, construction number725. First flew July '60 and delivered December '60 to Trans-Canada Air Lines as CF-TKB; renamed Air Canada June '64. Sold August '69 to Air Holdings and stored at Cambridge Airport. Leased during early-to-mid '70s by Thor Air Cargo and Airtrader Sweden AB. Leased by Invicta in April and purchased October early in the decade. Sold August '75 to Europe Aero Service; withdrawn at Perpignan July '79 and scrapped.

G-AZRE

Vickers V952 Vanguard, construction number729. First flight took place November '60 with delivery January '61 to Trans Canada Air Lines as CF-TKF; renamed Air Canada June '64. Sold March '72 to Air Holdings; leased then acquired by Invicta between March '72 and March '73. Sold September '76 to Europe Aero Service for use as spares at Perpignan.

G-BAFK

Vickers V952 Vanguard, construction number739. First flown May '61 with delivery January '61 to Trans Canada Air Lines as CF-TKP; airline renamed Air Canada June '64. Sold December '69 to Lockheed and stored at Cambridge Airport. Sold August '72 back to Air Holdings; leased then sub-leased late '72 to Merpati Nusantara Airlines. Returned February '73 then sold June '74 to Invicta with registration G-BAFK assigned. Sold October '75 to Europe Aero Service; withdrawn December '75 at Perpignan.

Boeing 720B

G-BCBA

Boeing 720-023, c/n 18014 Conducted its maiden flight on 24 June 1960 and was delivered to American Airlines on 24 July 1960, bearing the registration N7528A and named Flagship Connecticut. The aircraft returned to Boeing on 31 July 1961 to undergo modification into a Boeing 720-023B. On 1 July 1964, it suffered significant damage due to a landing gear collapse at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York. The plane was retired from active service in August 1971 and subsequently stored at Tulsa International Airport and Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport pending sale to Middle Eastern Airlines. On 3 November 1971, it was leased to European Ferries, re-registered as G-BCBA, and operated by Invicta. European Ferries purchased the aircraft on 10 May 1974. In October 1975, it was leased to Tempair and kept in storage at Luton. On 6 February 1976, it was sub-leased to Air Niugini, receiving the registration P2-ANG. After the lease ended on 2 February 1977, it returned to storage at Luton. The plane was leased again on 26 March 1977 to Monarch Airlines, who finalized its purchase on 1 September. Early in 1978, it was leased to Cyprus Airways, followed by leases from late 1979 to early 1980 with Royal Air Maroc, and mid-1980 with Air Malta. On 23 October 1981, it was sold to Maof Airlines and re-registered as 4X-BMA; it operated for El Al between September 1982 and October 1984 before being stored in Tel Aviv. Maof ceased operations in November 1984. Subsequently, the aircraft changed hands in November 1985 to Israel Aerospace Industries, then on 26 January 1986 to Omega Air, followed two days later by transfer to Boeing MAC for use as a parts source for United States Air Force KC-135Es, with a new registration N341A. Ultimately, it was dismantled at Tucson, Arizona in June 1991.

Bristol Britannia

G-ANCF

Bristol 305 Britannia, c/n 12922 The first flight occurred on 19 November 1958. Originally designated for British Overseas Airways Corporation, it was not accepted and also declined by Capital Airlines. It was sold to Northeast Airlines as N6597C but never taken up; eventually returned to Bristol bearing registration G-ANCF. In October 1958, it underwent conversion to type 308. On 24 August 1959, the aircraft was sold to Transcontinental SA, registered LV-PPJ and delivered in December. It received a new registration LV-GJB in 1960 before being withdrawn from service in November 1961 at Buenos Aires. In January 1962, British Eagle International Airlines acquired the plane, re-registering it as G-ANCF and naming it New Frontier, later renamed Resolution. It was converted into a type 308F freighter in July 1964. Monarch Airlines purchased the aircraft on 6 December 1968. In February 1976, it was leased to African Cargo Airways with registration changed to 5Y-AZP; subsequently sub-leased in June of that year to Invicta. Invicta acquired the aircraft outright in January 1977 and restored its registration to G-ANCF. The plane was withdrawn from operation in October 1980 and became part of the Bristol Aero Collection at Kemble in 1984 before relocating to Speke Airport in January 2007 painted in British Eagle livery.

G-AOVF

Bristol 312 Britannia, c/n13237 This aircraft's maiden flight took place on18 December1957. Delivered in January1958to BOAC as G-AOVF, it was sold in March1964to British Eagle International Airlines and named Friendship. Converted into a type312F freighter in1968, it was repossessed by BOAC in November1968; subsequently sold in January1970to Monarch Airlines. In April1970it was leased to Donaldson International Airways and named Nike. Donaldson purchased the aircraft in April1972 but sold it later that year in Octoberto IAS Cargo Airlines where it received the name African Queen. It was leased briefly in November1972to African Safari Airways before returning the following month. Between April1976and September1977it served under lease with Invicta before returning to IAS. Invicta bought the plane in November1978; it was then leased out to Redcoat Air Cargo in August1979and later leased again in January1981to IAC Cargo Airlines with registration changed to9Q-CAZ. After lease completion in June1981, the aircraft regained its original registration G-AOVF and was retired from service. It was sold in February1983to Merchant Air and donated for preservation at Cosford in May1984.

G-AOVS

Bristol312 Britannia, c/n13430 Its first flight occurred September1958 with delivery following in October1958to BOAC as G-AOVS. The aircraft was leased out to Lloyd International Airways in July1965and subsequently sub-leased that Augustto British Eagle International Airlines. British Eagle purchased the plane later that yearin November. Conversion into type312F freighter configuration took place June1966. It changed ownership in January1973when sold to IAS Cargo Airlines, then again in December1973to Aviex Holding Ltd., followed by sale in October1975to Westwings Aviation Services Ltd., which immediately leased it back out to IAS Cargo Airlines. Redcoat Air Cargo acquired the plane March1977and named it Christian by May of that year. The aircraft ceased operations October1979at Luton Airport where it remained scrapped; however, its fuselage stayed at LTN as of September2021.

G-AOVT

Bristol312 Britannia,c/n13427 The airplane first flew December1958and was delivered January1959to BOAC. It underwent leasing periods including April–May1961with British European Airways and September1963with British Eagle International Airlines. Named initially Enterprise and later renamed Ajax, Monarch acquired the aircraft August1968and leased it out December1974to Invicta before its return March1975.Monarch retired the plane from service shortly thereafter.It arrived at Duxford for preservation purposes June1975.