The Rise and Fall of the Air Ferry

The concept of an air ferry, where vehicles and their passengers are transported by aircraft, represents a fascinating, albeit brief, chapter in the history of transportation. Peaking in popularity during the 1950s, these services offered a novel and often faster alternative to traditional sea crossings. However, by the 1960s, advancements in conventional ferry services and aircraft development led to their gradual decline. The advent of the Channel Tunnel has since become the dominant mode of cross-Channel car transport. This article delves into the origins, operations, and eventual demise of this unique service, with a particular focus on the pioneering company that made it a reality.

The Genesis of the Air Ferry: Silver City Airways

The air ferry service was largely spearheaded by retired Royal Air Force officer, Air Commodore Griffith J. ("Taffy") Powell. In 1948, Powell founded Silver City Airways, an airline that would become synonymous with this innovative transport method. Utilising the Bristol Freighter aircraft, Silver City initially operated from Lympne airfield in Kent, a location strategically chosen for its proximity to France, with the first service commencing on 15 June 1948 as a proving flight to Le Touquet. The inaugural public flight followed on 14 July 1948, marking the official birth of the Silver City Air Ferry. Later, operations shifted to Lydd Airport, also known as Ferryfield, to accommodate larger aircraft.

The Vision Behind 'Silver City'

The story of Silver City is intertwined with the broader aviation landscape of post-war Britain. The company's origins trace back to 1945 with the formation of British Aviation Services (BAS), established by shareholders of the British Aviation Insurance Company to offer technical services to the burgeoning aviation industry. Air Commodore Powell served as the managing director of BAS. A pivotal moment occurred when BAS provided technical advisory services to Alberto Dodero, an Argentine shipping magnate planning an air service between Buenos Aires and Montevideo. This engagement led to an introduction to John Govett, Chairman of the Zinc Corporation. Recognizing the potential for dedicated air transport, the Zinc Corporation, with its principal mines in the Australian town of 'Silver City' (Broken Hill), decided to establish an airline. BAS was tasked with managing this new venture, which was christened 'Silver City Airways' in late 1946. Initially, the fleet comprised Avro Lancastrians and Douglas Dakotas, undertaking charter flights, including a notable early route from London to Sydney.

The Bristol Freighter: The Workhorse of the Air Ferry

The choice of the Bristol 170 Freighter was instrumental to the success of the air ferry. This versatile aircraft, with its distinctive 'clamshell' nose doors and spacious cargo hold, was ideally suited for carrying vehicles. Taffy Powell, an avid motorist who enjoyed touring France, recognised the potential of the Freighter for simplifying Channel crossings. The first air ferry operation used a Bristol 170 demonstrator, G-AGVC, carrying Powell's own car. The Bristol 170 was later developed into the 'Superfreighter' (Bristol 170 Mk 32), a larger variant capable of carrying three cars, a significant improvement over the standard two-car capacity. Silver City invested heavily in these Superfreighters, ordering six at a cost of £90,000 each.

Expansion and New Routes

Following its successful establishment, Silver City expanded its operations. New air ferry routes were introduced connecting various points in the British Isles with France and the Channel Islands. These included services between Stranraer and Belfast, Southampton (Eastleigh) and Deauville, and Southampton and Guernsey. The Southampton services later relocated to Bournemouth (Hurn) due to runway conditions. In 1955, Silver City became the largest air freight carrier in the UK. The company also diversified by acquiring other airlines, including Aquila Airways, Air Kruise, Manx Airlines, Lancashire Aircraft Corporation, and Dragon Airways, consolidating them into its 'Northern Division'. By 1957, the Silver City Air Ferry had completed its hundred-thousandth crossing.

The 'Silver Arrow' and Other Ventures

Beyond the core car ferry service, Silver City also operated other routes. The company utilized ex-BOAC Handley Page Hermes aircraft for the 'Silver Arrow' service, a London-Paris route connecting Manston and Le Touquet. These aircraft were too large to operate from the primary Ferryfield base. Silver City also played a role in supporting the oil industry in Libya during the late 1950s, establishing bases in Tripoli and Benghazi to transport personnel and supplies. However, this contract was lost to Sabena in 1961.

The Decline of the Air Ferry

Despite its popularity and operational success throughout the 1950s, the air ferry faced increasing economic challenges in the 1960s. Several factors contributed to its decline:

• Competition from Sea Ferries: The introduction of faster and more efficient roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferries significantly reduced the time and cost advantages of air ferries. Hovercraft also began to compete on certain routes.
• Aircraft Development Reluctance: Aircraft manufacturers were hesitant to invest in developing new aircraft specifically for the niche air ferry market.
• Operating Costs: Shorter routes, like the initial Lympne to Le Touquet service, incurred high maintenance costs due to frequent take-offs and landings, increasing wear and tear on the aircraft. While longer routes were more economical, suitable aircraft were not readily available when needed.
• Financial Difficulties: Silver City's strategy of consistently cutting fares to boost demand led to significant financial losses, amounting to £250,000 in 1960 and £200,000 in 1961.

The End of an Era

In January 1962, Silver City's parent company, British Aviation Services, sold its shares to P&O. This led to the formation of Air Holdings Ltd, which absorbed BAS, Channel Air Bridge (another air ferry operator), and the newly formed British United Airways. Silver City's thirteen-year journey concluded. The air ferry service itself continued at Ferryfield under new operators, British United Air Ferries and later British Air Ferries, for another nine years. The final Bristol 170 flight from Ferryfield occurred in October 1970, and the last air ferry flight, operated by an Aviation Traders ATL-98 'Carvair', took place in January 1971.

Legacy and Key Figures

The air ferry service, particularly as operated by Silver City, left a lasting impression. It provided a unique and often memorable travel experience, with many families having their first taste of air travel through this service. Figures like Air Commodore Griffith "Taffy" Powell were instrumental in its conception and operation. Wing Commander Hugh Kennard, after his involvement with Air Kruise, went on to form Air Ferry and later Invicta Airways. Despite its ultimate demise, the Silver City Air Ferry is remembered for its friendly, personal, and efficient service, coupled with an excellent safety record, earning it considerable fondness and respect from those who used it.

Key Takeaways

The air ferry was a testament to aviation innovation, offering a novel solution to cross-channel travel. While economic and technological shifts ultimately led to its decline, the service, pioneered by Silver City Airways, played a significant role in the development of air transport and remains a fondly remembered part of aviation history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who started the air ferry service?

The air ferry service was inaugurated by Air Commodore Griffith J. ("Taffy") Powell, who founded Silver City Airways in 1948.

When did the Silver City car ferry start?

The first Silver City car ferry operation took place on 15 June 1948.

What aircraft were primarily used for the air ferry?

The Bristol 170 Freighter and its larger variant, the Bristol 170 Mk 32 'Superfreighter', were the primary aircraft. The Aviation Traders Carvair was also used later.

Why did the air ferry service decline?

The decline was due to increased competition from more efficient sea ferries, higher operating costs on short routes, reluctance from aircraft manufacturers to develop specialised aircraft, and the financial difficulties faced by operators like Silver City.

What was the main base for Silver City's air ferry operations?

Initially Lympne Airfield, it later moved to a purpose-built facility called Ferryfield near Lydd.