G-AIXR
Vickers 627 Viking 1B – c/n 233
With Channel from Dec 1962 to Feb 1965
This Viking was one of several transferred to Channel after the takeover of Tradair at the end of 1962. While the three, almost immaculate ex-Queen’s Flight Vikings would rest over the winter, this aircraft would continue to fly through to the end of the summer of 1963. Her first flight came exactly one day after joining her new owner, making a trip from Southend to Rotterdam and back. Along with G-AKTV, both aircraft would keep these routes maintained during the quieter off-peak season, flying in the livery of their former owner which was never changed. X-Ray Romeo flew her last flight on September 25th 1963, returning from Ostend and was left to rot away at the rear of the airport still bearing her Tradair livery until being scrapped in February 1965.
History of G-AKTV
7/47 to 3/48
Aer Lingus as EI-ADF
3/48 to 5/59
Airwork Ltd as G-AKTV
5/59 to 12/62
Tradair Ltd
12/62 to 8/64
Channel Airways Ltd
Fate
WFU 9/63 – Scrapped during 8/64
Do you have any other, interesting snippets of information about this aircraft 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.
Vickers 627 Viking 1B – c/n 233
With Channel from Dec 1962 to Feb 1965
This Viking was one of several transferred to Channel after the takeover of Tradair at the end of 1962. While the three, almost immaculate ex-Queen’s Flight Vikings would rest over the winter, this aircraft would continue to fly through to the end of the summer of 1963. Her first flight came exactly one day after joining her new owner, making a trip from Southend to Rotterdam and back. Along with G-AKTV, both aircraft would keep these routes maintained during the quieter off-peak season, flying in the livery of their former owner which was never changed. X-Ray Romeo flew her last flight on September 25th 1963, returning from Ostend and was left to rot away at the rear of the airport still bearing her Tradair livery until being scrapped in February 1965.
History of G-AKTV
7/47 to 3/48
Aer Lingus as EI-ADF
3/48 to 5/59
Airwork Ltd as G-AKTV
5/59 to 12/62
Tradair Ltd
12/62 to 8/64
Channel Airways Ltd
Fate
WFU 9/63 – Scrapped during 8/64
Do you have any other, interesting snippets of information about this aircraft 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.