The formation of British Airways in March 1974 was the result of the 1969 Edwards Committee and the formation of the British Airways Board soon afterwards, although originally a full merger wasn't in the plan. Indeed though BEA had effectively taken over both Cambrian and BKS under the British Air Services banner in the late 60s it itself had been split into several semi-independent divisions in 1971 (Super One-Eleven, Channel Islands, Scottish Airways etc). This glimpse of independence was however short-lived and somewhat reluctantly BOAC and BEA were joined, followed by the BAS components (Cambrian and Northeast).
Dan Air had been primarily a charter airline for most of its history and had done well operating cheaper second-hand aircraft types (notably Comet 4s in the 1970s) as opposed to newer aircraft and thus keeping its costs low. As time passed, package holiday companies began to bring their charter activities in-house leaving Dan Air weakened and susceptible to fluctuating market demands. Its relatively older fleet was also less attractive and it had had some accidents which had not done its image any favours. Lastly a move into scheduled services from its Gatwick base had not been completely successful and a pair of leased A300s was too large for its services putting pressure on the finances further. This eventually led, in 1992 during a major economic downturn, to a largely symbolic takeover by BA of the failing airline. Of the Dan Air fleet only the newer 737-300/400s were kept on.
Diagram Key:
Green bars - indicate startup or name changes
Dotted Arrows - indicate change of ownership
Dan Air had been primarily a charter airline for most of its history and had done well operating cheaper second-hand aircraft types (notably Comet 4s in the 1970s) as opposed to newer aircraft and thus keeping its costs low. As time passed, package holiday companies began to bring their charter activities in-house leaving Dan Air weakened and susceptible to fluctuating market demands. Its relatively older fleet was also less attractive and it had had some accidents which had not done its image any favours. Lastly a move into scheduled services from its Gatwick base had not been completely successful and a pair of leased A300s was too large for its services putting pressure on the finances further. This eventually led, in 1992 during a major economic downturn, to a largely symbolic takeover by BA of the failing airline. Of the Dan Air fleet only the newer 737-300/400s were kept on.
Diagram Key:
Green bars - indicate startup or name changes
Dotted Arrows - indicate change of ownership
