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British Marine Air Navigation Co Ltd was a short-lived British airline operating flying boats across the English Channel in 1923 and 1924. It merged with three other airlines in 1924 to form Imperial Airways.

British Marine Air Navigation Co

Commenced operations	1923
Ceased operations	31 March 1924
Operating bases	Woolston United Kingdom
Fleet size	See Aircraft below
Destinations	Cherbourg Le Havre The Channel Islands
Parent company	Supermarine and Southern Railway

Formation

British Marine Air Navigation Co Ltd was formed in 1923 in a joint venture between Supermarine and Southern Railway (owners of Southampton Docks), the Woolston base becoming Britain's first commercial flying boat base, with its own Customs and Immigration facilities. The world's first scheduled passenger flying boat service began on 14 August 1923, with flights to Cherbourg, Le Havre and the Channel Islands.

Aircraft

Three Supermarine Sea Eagle flying boats, designed by Reginald Mitchell of later Spitfire fame, were purchased, and formed the inaugural fleet in 1923.

Imperial Airways

On 31 March 1924, British Marine Air Navigation Co Ltd merged with Handley Page Transport, Instone Air Line, and Daimler Airway, to form Imperial Airways.

See also

• List of aircraft of Imperial Airways
• List of defunct airlines of the United Kingdom

References

External links

• Imperial Airways enthusiasts' website

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