In what eventually turned into being a part of easyJet today, we will look at GB Airways and describe how it came into being and what happened along the way. GB Airways was first established in 1931 as an offshoot of MH Bland; a Gibraltar registered shipping company.
The new airline was originally called Gibraltar Airways and planned to offer an ariel link between Gibraltar and Tangiers. To do this, Gibraltar Airways acquired a Saro Windhover flying boat that was capable of carrying six passengers.
A runway was built on Gibraltar during WWII
During World War II, the British G]government built a runway on Gibraltar, and once hostilities finished, Gibraltar Airways purchased larger aircraft. During the war, Gibraltar Airways had worked closely with the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and in 1947 took over the ground handling duties at Gibraltar Airport (GIB). The same year Gibraltar airlines aligned with the newly created British European Airways (BEA) and commenced flights between “The Rock” and London. While primarily still focused on Morocco, the airline branched out by offering charter flights from France and Portugal with the backing of the Gibraltar tourist department.
BEA buys 49% and changes the airline’s name
Soon after, BEA acquired a 49% stake in Gibraltar Airways and changed its name to GibAir. When BEA merged with BOAC to form British Airways in 1974, the relationship with GibAir continued unabated. Fast-forward to 1985 and now called GB Airways, the airline moved its main office to the United Kingdom in 1989 to expand further. Gatwick Airport (LGW) became GB Airways main base, and the airline changed its livery and started to offer flights on behalf of the new budget airline easyJet. The startup had not yet received its air operator’s certificate and used GB Airways to operate flights on its behalf.
While still having a close relationship with British Airways, some airlines’ planes were painted in BA livery, and its pilots and cabin crew all wore BA uniforms. As GB Airways continued to grow, it replaced its fleet of seven Boeing 737-300/400s with newer Airbus A321 aircraft.
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GB Airways is sold to easyJet
During the early 2000s, GB Airways fell on hard times partly due to restraints being put on it by British Airways and competition from low-cost carriers. In 2006, the airline suffered its first loss and tried to renegotiate its deal with British Airways. GB Airways held discussions with BA presenting a new business model or its sale to the UK flag carrier. BA, however, was not interested in purchasing, leaving the Bland Group to talk with easyJet.
The acquisition of GB Airways for £103.5 million ($138 million) was approved by the UK Office of Fair Trading on 18 January 2008. The buying of GB Airways by easyJet allowed the Luton Airport (LTN)-based airline to expand its operations at both Gatwick and Manchester airports. GB Airways London Heathrow Airport (LHR) slots were not included in the easyJet sale and were later reportedly sold to other airlines for around £100 million ($104 million).
Did you ever fly on GB Airways? If so, please tell us what they were like in the comments.
