Southern International - a British Viscount operator
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Southern International - a British Viscount operator
Does anyone know if this company ever flew its aircraft into Leeds Bradford ? I don't remember but it is quite likely, given LBA's status as something of a Viscount hotspot from the mid-sixties up to the early nineties. Might have subbed for the likes of BA, BMA, Dan-Air and BAF.
Thankyou.
Thankyou.
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Although I cannot answer your question I did place a Lien on G-BBDK Southern Inernational Cargo and taped up the door late one night at Luton for unpaid debts in either '80 or '81. Freight was ready to be loaded. Problem finally solved but obviously a company with problems. Didn't make many friends that night :-)
Last edited by oldandbald; 26th Aug 2016 at 19:50. Reason: addition
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As suggested above both CSZA and CSZB flew for Dan Air on numerous charters during their time in Southern International`s distinctive blue/green/white colours. A 700 series aircraft XY-ADH flew into Southampton and was broken up for spares. BBDK was the ex BAF Freightmaster
IIRC G-BBDK went to BAF after Southern.
Can't get a production list on the web at the moment, but I think it was Aer Lingus originally, Oman Air Force until 1976, then Southern and then BAF.
It was one of the few with double doors at the front to allow cargo loading.
Can't get a production list on the web at the moment, but I think it was Aer Lingus originally, Oman Air Force until 1976, then Southern and then BAF.
It was one of the few with double doors at the front to allow cargo loading.
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I'm so far concluding that Southern never graced the LBA concrete. Perhaps that's a good thing.
On the other hand, Viscounts operating for Dan Air definitely passed through. 1979-1980,the two late-build 800s which they either damp leased or chartered from Fields/Air Bridge on the CI routes.
On the other hand, Viscounts operating for Dan Air definitely passed through. 1979-1980,the two late-build 800s which they either damp leased or chartered from Fields/Air Bridge on the CI routes.
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Around 1981 Southern International were supposedly interested in purchasing two MD83s so they could enter the IT market but the airline soon went into financial difficulties and ceased trading.
I liked their colour scheme of white with blue and green and I have fond memories of seeing their Viscounts at my local airport of Southampton.
I liked their colour scheme of white with blue and green and I have fond memories of seeing their Viscounts at my local airport of Southampton.
During my 4 week stint at Sumburgh in Sep/Oct 1972, the competitors for the Southern TV Sea Angling Competiton were delivered in a yellow and white Viscount; I cannot remember which airline it was but it only did charters so I was told.
A few days later when the anglers were due to depart, it all hit the fan. The airline with the yellow and white Viscount was no more; a rescue mission using a BMA Viscount was launched. We described the approach to runway 33 to him on the way in (a Spitfire type curved approach following a line of sodiums in order to avoid Sumburgh Head).
He only landed a little bit sideways after kicking off considerable drift on short final.
Would this Viscount have been Southern International?
A few days later when the anglers were due to depart, it all hit the fan. The airline with the yellow and white Viscount was no more; a rescue mission using a BMA Viscount was launched. We described the approach to runway 33 to him on the way in (a Spitfire type curved approach following a line of sodiums in order to avoid Sumburgh Head).
He only landed a little bit sideways after kicking off considerable drift on short final.
Would this Viscount have been Southern International?
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Not Southern International Chevvron, they were later than that - Alidair perhaps?
Alidair would fit the bill. They had a couple of VC7s based at Aberdeen during the 70s & frequently visited Sumburgh. Moreover, the colour scheme was yellow & blue. I seem to remember that Southern International were around at the end of the 70s. We certainly saw their VC8 in Jersey at that time - 79/80, I think.
Air Britain website has picture of CSZB at Lydd/Ferryfield in full Dan Air colours.
https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/view/1203287
As alluded above it (and possibly others) were used on various DA Jersey routes, either scheduled or IT, in summers of 79/80. Never saw one on ground at LBA but ISTR seeing them on climb out mid afternoon Sunday when I'd usually be preparing to return to my digs in London
https://abpic.co.uk/pictures/view/1203287
As alluded above it (and possibly others) were used on various DA Jersey routes, either scheduled or IT, in summers of 79/80. Never saw one on ground at LBA but ISTR seeing them on climb out mid afternoon Sunday when I'd usually be preparing to return to my digs in London
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Would this Viscount have been Southern International?
Air International ceased operations in October 1972
Last edited by jetstream7; 3rd Jul 2017 at 18:31. Reason: Missing Link
