Originally Posted by
rog747
IIRC Highland Express with their 747 G-HIHO was the first ''scheduled'' Transatlantic carrier from STN to EWR in June 1987
The flight went through PIK to EWR (soon after also operated to EWR from BHX via PIK, and then for 3 weeks from LGW too, then they collapsed)
They had traffic rights on the STN-PIK leg tickets were sold at £19 o/w which made them the first LCC to ever operate from STN within the UK
(The Company lasted until Nov 1987 - less than 6 months)
Remember that airline so well, I was working at STN for Air Uk at the time. Outside police had to be brought in to control unhappy pax, and on one occasion whilst looking out of my office window the lone Highland Express 747 was doing engine runs on the ramp when there was a bang, the engine cowling flew off and turbine blades went whining off in all directions. Luckily no one was injured.
"Highland Express regret to announce........!"