Novair International Airways

For the Swedish charter airline, see Novair.

Novair

IATA EN ICAO NGK Callsign STARJET
Founded	1988
Fleet size	6
Destinations	Mediterranean North America
Parent company	Rank Organisation
Headquarters	London Gatwick Airport
Key people	Frank Hope

Novair International Airways was a British charter airline that operated between 1988 and 1990.

History

Novair International Airways was formed on 7 December 1988 following the sole acquisition of Cal Air International by the Rank Organisation.

Perhaps the main reason for this new name was the acquisition of British Caledonian by their main competitor British Airways. BA’s aim was to form a new charter subsidiary under the name of Caledonian Airways (1988). Concerns were raised between the names ‘Caledonian Airways’ and ‘Cal Air’ (essentially an abbreviation of the competition!).

Novair offered charter flights to the popular Mediterranean holiday areas as well as to North America. However the airline was always fighting against decreasing passenger numbers and finally ceased operations on March 31, 1990. It was finally wound up on May 5, 1990.

Livery

A predominantly white body with a red sash-like diagonal stripe incorporating large “Novair” titling. The tail logo had a large blue 5 pointed star stylised for speed.

Fleet

Novair operated six aircraft during its two years of operation consisting of three McDonnell Douglas DC-10’s inherited from Cal Air International. These were joined by three Boeing 737’s.

Novair International Airways fleet

Registration	Type	Fate
G-BJZD	McDonnell Douglas DC-10	to FedEx Express as N10060
G-BJZE	McDonnell Douglas DC-10	to FedEx Express as N40061
G-GCAL	McDonnell Douglas DC-10	to Orbis International as N220AU
G-BROC	Boeing 737-400	to Sobelair as OO-SBJ
G-BOPK	Boeing 737-400	to Air Europe as G-BOPK
G-BOPJ	Boeing 737-400	to British Midland Airways as G-BOPJ

References