Fred Olsen Air Transport
Encyclopedia
Fred Olsen Air Transport (Fred Olsen Flyselskap A/S) was based in Norway and operated between 1946 and 1997.
. Initially, freight and passenger charter flights were conducted using Douglas DC-3
, frequently carrying ships crews. Later, the Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando
was followed by the Douglas DC-6F
and the Vickers Viscount
. The airline then concentrated more on just freight work. In 1973 the Lockheed L-188 Electra
was introduced and replaced the DC-6s. With the Electras the charter passenger services were reintroduced but freight remained the mainstay of the company, many flights being operated carrying cargo for SAS
.
Another aircraft type used was the Hawker Siddeley HS 748 which were replaced in the mid 1990s by the DHC-8. Then in 1997 without warning the fleet of aircraft were sold and the airline stopped flying .
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Company history
The airline was set up in June 1946 as a subsidiary of Fred. Olsen & Co.Fred. Olsen & Co.
Fred. Olsen & Co. is a large shipping company based in Oslo, Norway. The company was founded by Petter Olsen in 1848. Today it is the holding company that controls the Olsen family's interest through Bonheur and Ganger Rolf.-History:...
. Initially, freight and passenger charter flights were conducted using Douglas DC-3
Douglas DC-3
The Douglas DC-3 is an American fixed-wing propeller-driven aircraft whose speed and range revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. Its lasting impact on the airline industry and World War II makes it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made...
, frequently carrying ships crews. Later, the Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando
C-46 Commando
The Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando was a transport aircraft originally derived from a commercial high-altitude airliner design. It was instead used as a military transport during World War II by the United States Army Air Forces as well as the U.S. Navy/Marine Corps under the designation R5C...
was followed by the Douglas DC-6F
Douglas DC-6
The Douglas DC-6 is a piston-powered airliner and transport aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company from 1946 to 1958. Originally intended as a military transport near the end of World War II, it was reworked after the war to compete with the Lockheed Constellation in the long-range...
and the Vickers Viscount
Vickers Viscount
The Vickers Viscount was a British medium-range turboprop airliner first flown in 1948 by Vickers-Armstrongs, making it the first such aircraft to enter service in the world...
. The airline then concentrated more on just freight work. In 1973 the Lockheed L-188 Electra
Lockheed L-188 Electra
The Lockheed Model 188 Electra is an American turboprop airliner built by Lockheed. First flying in 1957, it was the first large turboprop airliner produced in the United States. Initial sales were good, but after two fatal crashes which prompted an expensive modification program to fix a design...
was introduced and replaced the DC-6s. With the Electras the charter passenger services were reintroduced but freight remained the mainstay of the company, many flights being operated carrying cargo for SAS
Scandinavian Airlines System
Scandinavian Airlines or SAS, previously Scandinavian Airlines System, is the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and the largest airline in Scandinavia....
.
Another aircraft type used was the Hawker Siddeley HS 748 which were replaced in the mid 1990s by the DHC-8. Then in 1997 without warning the fleet of aircraft were sold and the airline stopped flying .
Historical fleet details
- Curtiss-Wright C-46 CommandoC-46 CommandoThe Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando was a transport aircraft originally derived from a commercial high-altitude airliner design. It was instead used as a military transport during World War II by the United States Army Air Forces as well as the U.S. Navy/Marine Corps under the designation R5C...
- Vickers ViscountVickers ViscountThe Vickers Viscount was a British medium-range turboprop airliner first flown in 1948 by Vickers-Armstrongs, making it the first such aircraft to enter service in the world...
- Lockheed L-188 ElectraLockheed L-188 ElectraThe Lockheed Model 188 Electra is an American turboprop airliner built by Lockheed. First flying in 1957, it was the first large turboprop airliner produced in the United States. Initial sales were good, but after two fatal crashes which prompted an expensive modification program to fix a design...
- Hawker Siddeley HS 748
- DHC-8