Set up at Maiquetia in 1961 to operate all-cargo domestic charters. Revenue operations commence with 3 Curtiss C-46 Commandos, but cannot be sustained. When the company fails in 1962, its fleet passes to Trans-portes Aereos, C. A.
ARAB AIR CARGO, LTD.: Jordan/Iraq (1982-1990). Jointly owned by the governments of Jordan and Iraq, AAC is formed in March 1982. Two Boeing 707-3D3C freighters are supplied by Alia Royal Jordanian Airlines and in conjunction with that carrier, scheduled services are initiated on May 1, 1983. Destinations visited from Amman include Amsterdam, Brussels, Dubai, Larnaca, London, and Rome. Iraqi Airways plays little role other than as a control agent. UN sanctions and the invasion of Kuwait lead to a cessation of services in 1990.
ARAB AIRWAYS, LTD.: Jordan (1946-1958). The Arab Airways Association (Arab Airways) is formed on January 1, 1946. Owned by Transjordan parties, with a small British interest, the new carrier is equipped with de Havilland DH 89 Dragon Rapides flown by ex-RAF personnel. Revenue flights begin late in the year.
Following the acquisition of Douglas DC-3s, routes are opened in 1947-1950 to Cairo, Beirut, and Baghdad. On June 13 of the latter year, Israel forces a DC-3 to land when it attempts to fly over the southern Negev; American passengers are immediately released, but the other five are held for two days until they can be turned over to the Arab League. Israel retains the aircraft.
Operations continue apace in 1951-1952 without further diplomatic incidents. Through Aden Airways, Ltd., British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) acquires an interest in August 1953. The carrier is now reorganized and renamed Arab Airways (Jerusalem), Ltd. A service is started to Aden via Jeddah.
In 1955, the airline becomes a subsidiary of the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) holding company, Associated British Airlines (Middle East) and in 1958 it suspends operations.
World History
