Another of my observations is how, at LBA, Britannia had the place to themselves for ITs for four or five years. Then along came Air Europe in 1980 doing flights to Palma and Barcelona. AE didn't operate through LBA in 1981 but came back for '82. This year also saw Monarch make their LBA debut along with Air Malta. These two might have started flights from Southend at the same time. By 1983, Britannia, Monarch, Air Europe and Air Malta had been joined on ITs by Orion and Dan Air, all flying Advanced 732s off the then 5400 ft runway. Suddenly, all the Tour Operators wanted a slice of the LBA pie and they might not have got it (until the runway was extended) without that aeroplane.
Last edited by Mooncrest; 19th May 2022 at 14:37.