British Airways Genealogy Part 2
British United had its roots in the 1960 merger of several independent airlines, the larger components of which formed the main British United operation. Initially re-equipped with new BAC One-Elevens and VC-10s BUA was a dynamic force but in 1970 it was taken over by the successful charter airline Caledonian. After a brief stint as BUA / Caledonian it was rebranded British Caledonian. This occurred under the influence of the 1969 Edwards Committee findings which promoted the creation of a strong independent second force airline. BCal gained spheres of influence and swapped routes with BA but was always at a competitive disadvantage to the flag carrier. By the mid-80s despite having orders for A320s and MD-11s outstanding BCal had lost its way and was merged into BA. They took on BCal's DC-10s and operated them for many years whilst also somewhat reluctantly taking on the new A320s which also proved a great success.
BCal's charter arm, originally BCal Charter and then Cal Air International, was sold to the Rank Corporation and became Novair but only lasted two years before bankruptcy.
Diagram Key:
Green bars - indicate startup or name changes
Red bars - indicate cessation of service
Dotted Arrows - indicate change of ownership
BCal's charter arm, originally BCal Charter and then Cal Air International, was sold to the Rank Corporation and became Novair but only lasted two years before bankruptcy.
Diagram Key:
Green bars - indicate startup or name changes
Red bars - indicate cessation of service
Dotted Arrows - indicate change of ownership