Channel Coachways
Operated from c.Mar 1963 to Unknown
Founder/Director – Reginald ‘Jack’ Jones – (From 1972) Les Caten & Roy Jennings
Looking for a way to get passengers to the airport more quickly and efficiently, Channel Airways went out on a limb and began their very own private coach service. These coaches would essentially fulfil three purposes, that of shuttling passengers back and forth between Rochford railway station and SEN (roughly a mile and a half by road), picking up passengers from the many small towns and villages around Essex and finally bringing passengers in directly from London (although other cities and towns were occasionally serviced too). The fleet was initially comprised of two types, an older 1950s AEC Reliance and the more modern Bedford/Ford Duple Viceroy although both were said to have luxury interiors. Indeed, these coaches eventually became a common sight in the short stay car park located in front of the airport’s terminal.
When Channel Airways finally collapsed in February 1972, the fleet and company name were taken over by two of the company’s drivers (Les Caten 
already having his own small operation in Westcliff) and more modern vehicles were gradually added. The company remit also changed somewhat and while Rochford station services were undertaken with the AEC Reliance and Bristol SUL until at least the early 1980s, this company would begin to branch out into local school’s contracts, away-days and Continental trips. Needless to say, the company fleet would still be based at the airport although by this time, the parking area had moved to what was then the long-term car park. From this point on, this company’s history becomes hazy and it would seem that around 1996 Channel Coachways relocated to Bow in London where it continued to operate for at least another 12 years although its ultimate fate remains unknown.
Channel Coachways fleet from 1963 to 1996
(Select coaches seen at SEN)
AEC Reliance
8627 DT
Ford/Bedford Duple Viceroy
KJN 818E
KJN 819E
KJN 820E
KJN 821E
KJN 822E
KJN 823E
MFV 196F
Bristol SUL
275 KTA
Harrington Reliance
VWW 16
WWN 189
Bedford Plaxton C51F
BNW 636C
Bedford Plaxton
CNP 93N
Leyland Leopard Duple Dominant
NNW 113P
IVECO Vanhool R1114
KIW 86 06
Leyland Tiger
JVW 157Y
Scania K112
A565 TVD
Volvo ?
H14 CHN
Do you have any other, interesting snippets of information about this company’s SEN history or indeed any pictures that you would like to share? If so, then please contact us on saadinfomail@gmail.com
Many thanks from the SAAD Admin Team.
Operated from c.Mar 1963 to Unknown
Founder/Director – Reginald ‘Jack’ Jones – (From 1972) Les Caten & Roy Jennings
Looking for a way to get passengers to the airport more quickly and efficiently, Channel Airways went out on a limb and began their very own private coach service. These coaches would essentially fulfil three purposes, that of shuttling passengers back and forth between Rochford railway station and SEN (roughly a mile and a half by road), picking up passengers from the many small towns and villages around Essex and finally bringing passengers in directly from London (although other cities and towns were occasionally serviced too). The fleet was initially comprised of two types, an older 1950s AEC Reliance and the more modern Bedford/Ford Duple Viceroy although both were said to have luxury interiors. Indeed, these coaches eventually became a common sight in the short stay car park located in front of the airport’s terminal.
When Channel Airways finally collapsed in February 1972, the fleet and company name were taken over by two of the company’s drivers (Les Caten 
already having his own small operation in Westcliff) and more modern vehicles were gradually added. The company remit also changed somewhat and while Rochford station services were undertaken with the AEC Reliance and Bristol SUL until at least the early 1980s, this company would begin to branch out into local school’s contracts, away-days and Continental trips. Needless to say, the company fleet would still be based at the airport although by this time, the parking area had moved to what was then the long-term car park. From this point on, this company’s history becomes hazy and it would seem that around 1996 Channel Coachways relocated to Bow in London where it continued to operate for at least another 12 years although its ultimate fate remains unknown.
Channel Coachways fleet from 1963 to 1996
(Select coaches seen at SEN)
AEC Reliance
8627 DT
Ford/Bedford Duple Viceroy
KJN 818E
KJN 819E
KJN 820E
KJN 821E
KJN 822E
KJN 823E
MFV 196F
Bristol SUL
275 KTA
Harrington Reliance
VWW 16
WWN 189
Bedford Plaxton C51F
BNW 636C
Bedford Plaxton
CNP 93N
Leyland Leopard Duple Dominant
NNW 113P
IVECO Vanhool R1114
KIW 86 06
Leyland Tiger
JVW 157Y
Scania K112
A565 TVD
Volvo ?
H14 CHN
Do you have any other, interesting snippets of information about this company’s SEN history or indeed any pictures that you would like to share? If so, then please contact us on saadinfomail@gmail.com
Many thanks from the SAAD Admin Team.