As the ‘inclusive tour’ business blossomed in the late 1960s, British European Airways determined that the best way to increase its share of the holiday market was with a dedicated subsidiary. In the first of a two-part feature, David Ransted looks back at the early days of British Airtours.

Seven de Havilland DH106 Comet 4Bs were transferred from BEA’s mainline fleet to the new subsidiary during March 1970.
AIRTEAMIMAGES.COM/CAZ CASWELL
British European Airways (BEA) approached the 1970s in a confident mood, with its growing fleet and route network supporting the ‘No.1 in Europe’ tagline of its advertising campaigns.