It’s often said variety is the spice of life and that’s certainly been true for Air Atlantique and its fleet of Douglas DC-3 Dakotas. The company’s ‘Daks are perhaps best remembered for their airshow appearances, transporting enthusiasts to shows throughout the UK and carrying members of the public on pleasure flights. But they also earned their keep hauling cargo, patrolling the coastline for oil spills and carrying out aerial surveys – even journeying as far afield as Africa on charter flights.
The Air Atlantique story began in September 1969 when Jersey resident Mike Collett formed General Aviation Services. Based at Jersey Airport, the company specialised in aircraft sales and air-taxi work using small twin-engined types. Operating charter flights to northern France, it began using the name Air Atlantique in 1974 to reflect its Gallic associations.
