Redcoat Air Cargo
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cargo airline |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Defunct | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Horley, Sussex , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom, West Africa |
| Products | Freight transport |
Redcoat Air Cargo was a British freight airline that operated between 1976 and 1982, with its headquarters located in Horley, Sussex, and its main operational base at Luton Airport.
History
Established in 1976, Redcoat Air Cargo commenced its services by leasing a Bristol Britannia aircraft from Geminair, primarily flying cargo routes connecting the United Kingdom and West Africa. Subsequently, the airline expanded its fleet by purchasing its own Britannias, which included former Royal Air Force Transport Command planes as well as at least one aircraft previously flown by Air Faisal. By 1979, the company had broadened its operations to include freight charter flights for the Ministry of Defence.
After experiencing a Britannia crash in 1980, Redcoat acquired a Canadair CL-44 from British Cargo Airlines. However, delays in the delivery of this aircraft combined with engine-related problems resulted in financial difficulties that ultimately led to the company entering voluntary liquidation in 1982.
Fleet
Media
In 1980, a Britannia operated by Redcoat appeared in the BBC drama series Buccaneer, which focused on the operations of a cargo airline.
Accidents and incidents
On 16 February 1980, a Bristol Britannia C Mk.1 registered G-BRAC crashed shortly after taking off from Boston-Logan Airport due to ice and snow accumulation. The accident resulted in seven fatalities out of eight individuals on board, including the wife of an RAF airman stationed in Belize.