Airlines of Australia was an airline that serviced Australia, originally commencing as New England Airlines in 1931, until being absorbed by Australian National Airways in July 1942.
Airlines of Australia was originally incorporated as New England Airways on 1 January 1931, with George A. Robinson as managing director and his future son-in-law, Keith Virtue (1909–1980) as director and chief pilot. [1] [2]
Taking over Qantas' Brisbane to Lismore route, the company first used a four-passenger Mahoney-Ryan B-1 (VH-UIZ) and three-passenger de Havilland Puss Moth (VH-UPM). [3]
Further aircraft were purchased, and more routes acquired and extended. [4]
In October 1935 the new company of Airlines of Australia Limited was floated to replace and incorporate New England Airways. [5] It commenced operations in January 1936. The new company also acquired the rights to manufacturing Sikorsky flying boats. [6]
Australian National Airways (ANA) gained a controlling interest in Airlines of Australia in April 1937, although the two airlines and assets retained separate public identities until 1 July 1942. Their two surviving Stinsons were then renamed VH-UKK Binana and VH-UYY Tokana. Airlines of Australia also held shares in ANA. [7] By 1954, the company was showing a financial loss. [8]
The airline colour was red.
Airlines of Australia owned over twenty aircraft, including:
Airlines of Australia was an airline that serviced Australia, originally commencing as New England Airlines in 1931, until being absorbed by Australian National Airways in July 1942.
Airlines of Australia was originally incorporated as New England Airways on 1 January 1931, with George A. Robinson as managing director and his future son-in-law, Keith Virtue (1909–1980) as director and chief pilot. [1] [2]
Taking over Qantas' Brisbane to Lismore route, the company first used a four-passenger Mahoney-Ryan B-1 (VH-UIZ) and three-passenger de Havilland Puss Moth (VH-UPM). [3]
Further aircraft were purchased, and more routes acquired and extended. [4]
In October 1935 the new company of Airlines of Australia Limited was floated to replace and incorporate New England Airways. [5] It commenced operations in January 1936. The new company also acquired the rights to manufacturing Sikorsky flying boats. [6]
Australian National Airways (ANA) gained a controlling interest in Airlines of Australia in April 1937, although the two airlines and assets retained separate public identities until 1 July 1942. Their two surviving Stinsons were then renamed VH-UKK Binana and VH-UYY Tokana. Airlines of Australia also held shares in ANA. [7] By 1954, the company was showing a financial loss. [8]
The airline colour was red.
Airlines of Australia owned over twenty aircraft, including: