Old Timer's Airline Quiz and Discussion
#7756
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: No longer lowly AA Gold, lots of AA, AS & DL miles & BA Avios, former CO Platinum Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 8,948
KLM didn't start their 747 Combi fleet until some years later, 1978, when they moved on to another enhancement of the 747-200B when GE engines were made available. Their first ones had the initial standard P&W ones. The Combi had been introduced some years earlier, Air Canada got the first one. KLM did subsequently become the major Combi user. However, the whole concept fell away after South African lost one over the Indian Ocean, last heard from with a fire in the rear cargo compartment and the cabin crew entering with fire-fighting kit.
It also appears there are not that many Boeing 737 Combi operators left at present, either.....of course, Alaska Air with B737-400 aircraft converted from full passenger configuration comes to mind here in the U.S.
And there are at least three remaining Canadian operators of B737 Combi aircraft, being Air North (with a B737-200), Canadian North (also with a B737-200) and First Air (with B737-200 and B737-400 aircraft). Plus, Whitehorse-based Air North is still apparently operating Hawker Siddeley HS 748 Combi turboprops while Canadian North flies DHC-8 Dash 8 series 100 Combis and First Air operates ATR 42-300 Combi aircraft.
Last edited by jlemon; Oct 30, 15 at 1:54 pm Reason: HS 748 & Dash 8 & ATR 42 Combis
#7758
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: London, England.
Programs: BA
Posts: 7,900
13. This British airline renamed itself after the aircraft type it acquired in 1964. Name the airline and - by extension – the aircraft.
Britannia Airways (formally Euravia); Bristol Britannia
Correct! Prior to re-equipping with the Britannias, the Luton based airline was flying holiday travelers around aboard Lockheed Constellations.
Britannia Airways (formally Euravia); Bristol Britannia
Correct! Prior to re-equipping with the Britannias, the Luton based airline was flying holiday travelers around aboard Lockheed Constellations.
Main base was London Luton, but they also had aircraft at Manchester (generally a couple), Birmingham and Newcastle. After a few years they became pioneer holiday flight Boeing 737 users, and must have bought upwards of 100 Boeings over time, all until recently continuing that UK-built airliner name on the side. They also set the style for other holiday operations that, from all their starting points, they ran to the same Mediterranean destination on the same day of the week, when several aircraft would turn up pretty much together - Mahon in the Balearics was traditionally Mondays, and Fuerteventura in the Canaries on Wednesdays. Lesser UK points were served by a "W" arrangement, say out early morning Monday from Birmingham to Mahon, then return to say Bristol, out to Mahon again, and back to Birmingham at the end of the day.
The Skyways takeover brought various charter contracts and indeed some schedules, which Euravia dropped almost straight away, but one very longstanding charter contract Britannia maintained from then was for the UK military, particularly to bases in Germany, where a generation and more of soldiers and airmen knew Britannia as the way to and from home leave. As a result the 737s turned up on various RAF bases like Wildenrath, as well as Berlin. Onetime fellow student, of languages, from my University days, became a translator for the UK Ministry of Defence, and made many trips to Germany in the 1970s-90s. If he was travelling with The Minister and a German official they went in F on British Airways, but if just joining a meeting there the government procurement department would spring into cheapskate mode and he was on a military charter from Luton, whereupon his heart would sink, and he gave me several flamboyant descriptions of the low life on board, packed into 28" pitch charter seating, many of the squaddies (enlisted men) were with their families, and babies were hung in bassinets lengthwise from the overheads who would squawl and bawl through turbulence. And unlike Britannia's holiday flights, being a military charter, anaesthetising drink was NOT served on board.
Last edited by WHBM; Nov 3, 15 at 3:37 am
#7759
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); still teleworking with the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.3MM; AS MVPG 75K
Posts: 15,436
that said, we have a longtime friend who used to work for NW, first as a res agent in SEA and later as the assistant station manager at DAY ... she still tells the story of a non-rev trip to the Far East when she and her husband observed a couple whose first language was obviously not English dutifully placing their "carry-on item" in the overhead bin -- said item was actually a bassinet with a baby in it
#7760
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: NYS
Programs: NPR
Posts: 1,102
I remember a People Express landing announcement that included, "Please check the overhead compartments for any personal belongings or small children that you may have placed there."
#7761
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: London, England.
Programs: BA
Posts: 7,900
An old British United hand described how for military charters they designed small additional attachment points to the underside of the overhead racks to hang these "Skycots" from. I'm sure there must be a picture somewhere on the web although I can't find one. Someone on another forum about RAF VC-10s writes :
"My one bad memory was sitting under a skycot for the 8 hour overnight leg Cyprus-Gan hoping the canvas was waterproof."
"My one bad memory was sitting under a skycot for the 8 hour overnight leg Cyprus-Gan hoping the canvas was waterproof."
#7762
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: No longer lowly AA Gold, lots of AA, AS & DL miles & BA Avios, former CO Platinum Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 8,948
So what airline was offering excellent on board service back then in both first and coach?
Ah....Western! And now that I think of it, I believe the northbound nonstop flights to YVR from LAX and SFO offered "Royal Canadian" service while the southbound nonstop flights between these city pairs offered "Western Canadian" service. In any case, the upgraded cabin service was probably the same, only the names were different.
Equipment operated on these flights to and from Vancouver, B.C. in 1968? Most likely our old friend the Boeing 720B.
Western Airlines.....The Only Way To Fly!
Last edited by jlemon; Nov 5, 15 at 2:04 pm
#7763
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); still teleworking with the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.3MM; AS MVPG 75K
Posts: 15,436
I only flew PE once, but I certainly remember those kind of cutesy announcements on PS (and to some degree they still persist on WN)
#7764
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); still teleworking with the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.3MM; AS MVPG 75K
Posts: 15,436
Well, I've been thinking about this one for awhile now.....and it occurs to me this may have not have been a Canadian based air carrier as the departure city (or cities) is (or are) not specified.
So what airline was offering excellent on board service back then in both first and coach?
Ah....Western! And now that I think of it, I believe the northbound nonstop flights to YVR from LAX and SFO offered "Royal Canadian" service while the southbound nonstop flights between these city pairs offered "Western Canadian" service. In any case, the upgraded cabin service was probably the same, only the names were different.
Equipment operated on these flights to and from Vancouver, B.C. in 1968? Most likely our old friend the Boeing 720B.
Western Airlines.....The Only Way To Fly!
So what airline was offering excellent on board service back then in both first and coach?
Ah....Western! And now that I think of it, I believe the northbound nonstop flights to YVR from LAX and SFO offered "Royal Canadian" service while the southbound nonstop flights between these city pairs offered "Western Canadian" service. In any case, the upgraded cabin service was probably the same, only the names were different.
Equipment operated on these flights to and from Vancouver, B.C. in 1968? Most likely our old friend the Boeing 720B.
Western Airlines.....The Only Way To Fly!
#7765
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: No longer lowly AA Gold, lots of AA, AS & DL miles & BA Avios, former CO Platinum Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 8,948
#7766
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: London, England.
Programs: BA
Posts: 7,900
They had done the same with the Vickers Viking earlier, but that, despite being a smaller aircraft, actually had a 4-crew flight deck.
#7767
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: No longer lowly AA Gold, lots of AA, AS & DL miles & BA Avios, former CO Platinum Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 8,948
https://www.wineroad.com/events/wine-food-affair/
And yes, we have a designated driver!

Our flight details: AA Eagle ERJ-145 LFT-DFW, AA A321 (in F) DFW-LAX and then an Alaska Air Dash 8 Q400 (operated by Horizon Air, of course) LAX-STS. We have a fairly lengthy layover at LAX and are planning to camp out for a bit at the UA Club in term 7 in case anyone wants to have a cocktail with us tomorrow afternoon.
Back to the quiz.....referencing post #7750, we are looking for the last three cities in the U.S. served by Mexicana in 1990. I'll provide them tonight if there are no takers.
#7768
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Airlines Million Miler, United Airlines Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond Level
Posts: 9,952
23. In 1968, if you were enjoying “Royal Canadian” service to Vancouver, which airline would you be flying upon?
Well, I've been thinking about this one for awhile now.....and it occurs to me this may have not have been a Canadian based air carrier as the departure city (or cities) is (or are) not specified.
So what airline was offering excellent on board service back then in both first and coach?
Ah....Western! And now that I think of it, I believe the northbound nonstop flights to YVR from LAX and SFO offered "Royal Canadian" service while the southbound nonstop flights between these city pairs offered "Western Canadian" service. In any case, the upgraded cabin service was probably the same, only the names were different.
Equipment operated on these flights to and from Vancouver, B.C. in 1968? Most likely our old friend the Boeing 720B.
You are indeed correct, Sir. I am curious though about the Western Canadian Service. I've never heard of it before. It sounds better suited to Pacific Western Airlines routes than WA's.
Western Airlines.....The Only Way To Fly!
Well, I've been thinking about this one for awhile now.....and it occurs to me this may have not have been a Canadian based air carrier as the departure city (or cities) is (or are) not specified.
So what airline was offering excellent on board service back then in both first and coach?
Ah....Western! And now that I think of it, I believe the northbound nonstop flights to YVR from LAX and SFO offered "Royal Canadian" service while the southbound nonstop flights between these city pairs offered "Western Canadian" service. In any case, the upgraded cabin service was probably the same, only the names were different.
Equipment operated on these flights to and from Vancouver, B.C. in 1968? Most likely our old friend the Boeing 720B.
You are indeed correct, Sir. I am curious though about the Western Canadian Service. I've never heard of it before. It sounds better suited to Pacific Western Airlines routes than WA's.
Western Airlines.....The Only Way To Fly!
#7769
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Airlines Million Miler, United Airlines Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond Level
Posts: 9,952
12. What was the world’s first airline to operate a passenger jet with a flight deck designed for just two crew? What kind of jet was it?
BEA, who used the Jet Vickers Viscount on some London to Paris flights in the early 1950s.
They had done the same with the Vickers Viking earlier, but that, despite being a smaller aircraft, actually had a 4-crew flight deck.
Not quite the answer I was looking for but then the error is mine with regard to the wording. And of course I'm sure you're correct, WHBM! ^
Given how many airlines of the day referred to their prop jets as "jets", what I should have asked was...
What was the world’s first airline to operate a non-propeller equipped passenger jet with a flight deck designed for just two crew? What kind of jet was it?
So, let's call this bonus question 12B
BEA, who used the Jet Vickers Viscount on some London to Paris flights in the early 1950s.
They had done the same with the Vickers Viking earlier, but that, despite being a smaller aircraft, actually had a 4-crew flight deck.
Not quite the answer I was looking for but then the error is mine with regard to the wording. And of course I'm sure you're correct, WHBM! ^
Given how many airlines of the day referred to their prop jets as "jets", what I should have asked was...
What was the world’s first airline to operate a non-propeller equipped passenger jet with a flight deck designed for just two crew? What kind of jet was it?
So, let's call this bonus question 12B
#7770
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Airlines Million Miler, United Airlines Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond Level
Posts: 9,952
As JL and Lady K have jetted off to a fabulous weekend in the Golden State. I've just arrived in Chicago for tomorrow's airline collectibles convention at the Holiday Inn. I didn't even know I was going on this trip until 31 hours ago! It was spurred on by the airline collectibles convention and a chance to visit friends and fellow Denali drivers in northern Indiana. On the return I'm looking forward to trying out Iowa Pacific's new Hoosier State service between Lafayette and Chicago featuring an ex-1950s era Santa Fe Super Dome. As an added bonus, the Denver Broncos are in town to play the Indianapolis Colts. Hopefully the Broncs will leave town with their undefeated record intact.
As to the remaining questions, I'll check back Monday to address any that remain unanswered. Have a great weekend!
7. This airline claims to have established the world’s first commercial around the world route. Can you identify the airline and the route? (This could be a discussion item as it would seem more than one airline has made similar type claims.)
12. What was the world’s first airline to operate a passenger jet with a flight deck designed for just two crew? What kind of jet was it? A N S W E R E D
Bonus Question 12B: What was the world’s first airline to operate a non-propeller equipped passenger jet with a flight deck designed for just two crew? What kind of jet was it?
14. This airline launched the first ever scheduled jet flight to take place entirely within the Arctic Circle. Identify the airline, aircraft and route.
18. Can you name an airline named after its founder that also operated 747s? IN PLAY Braniff, Wardair, Ansett, Martinair, Kallat El-Saker Air , Khalifa and cargo operators Kalitta and MK Airlines have been identified so far. Any more out there?
As to the remaining questions, I'll check back Monday to address any that remain unanswered. Have a great weekend!
7. This airline claims to have established the world’s first commercial around the world route. Can you identify the airline and the route? (This could be a discussion item as it would seem more than one airline has made similar type claims.)
12. What was the world’s first airline to operate a passenger jet with a flight deck designed for just two crew? What kind of jet was it? A N S W E R E D
Bonus Question 12B: What was the world’s first airline to operate a non-propeller equipped passenger jet with a flight deck designed for just two crew? What kind of jet was it?
14. This airline launched the first ever scheduled jet flight to take place entirely within the Arctic Circle. Identify the airline, aircraft and route.
18. Can you name an airline named after its founder that also operated 747s? IN PLAY Braniff, Wardair, Ansett, Martinair, Kallat El-Saker Air , Khalifa and cargo operators Kalitta and MK Airlines have been identified so far. Any more out there?
Last edited by Seat 2A; Nov 6, 15 at 11:19 pm