Imperial Airways, part one: Europe
This page opens the British imperial routes series. Before reaching the far ends of the Empire, Imperial Airways first had to structure its European links from England.
The route links London with Paris, Brussels, Cologne, Frankfurt, Basel, Zurich, Nuremberg, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Skopje, Thessaloniki, Corfu and Athens.
Development of Imperial Airways European services.
Connect the metropolis to its first continental gates.
Slow, regular and comfortable on short to medium stages.
Capitals, weather and historical airfields.
Understanding the flight
Imperial Airways answered an imperial need: move faster than sea mail. But before Africa and Asia, the network had to cross Europe.
This first part therefore feels like preparation: it builds the continental links of a much longer line.
Before departure
- Choose a vintage airliner rather than a modern aircraft.
- Keep short or medium legs in regular airline logic.
- Use variable European weather to give the route character.
- Record stops as a commercial progression eastward.
Suggested route
England, France and Benelux
Biggin Hill, Le Touquet, Le Bourget, Brussels and Cologne install the nearby network.
EGKB → LFAT → LFPB → EBBR → EDDK
Germany, Switzerland and Bohemia
Frankfurt-Hahn, Basel, Zurich, Nuremberg and Prague create the Central European spine.
EDDK → EDFH → LFSB → LSZH → EDDN → LKPR
Danube and Balkans
Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Skopje move the route southeast.
LKPR → LOWW → LHBP → LYBE → LWSK
Greece and Eastern Mediterranean
Thessaloniki, Corfu and Athens close this first European part.
LWSK → LGTS → LGKR → LGAT
Experience tips
Fly this like a pre-war airline: schedules, stops, weather and regularity.
The charm lies in the gradual construction of the network, not speed.
Copyright Michel Lagneau 2011