GEMINI AIRLINES, LTD.: Ghana (1981-1990) . This new Gemini is formed in 1981 as successor to Gemini Air Transport, Ltd. The Accra-based all-cargo operator is supported by Tradewinds Airways, Ltd. of the U. K., which on behalf of Gemini undertakes a weekly Accra-London freighter flight. When the British associate goes bankrupt in 1990, Gemini also ceases operations.
GENAIR, LTD.: United Kingdom (1981-1984). Organized at Liverpool in April 1981 as the business travel division of the telecommunications manufacturer General Relays, Ltd., Genair officials name J. E. Marsden as chairman with D. Allen as general manager. A workforce of 12 is employed and a fleet is assembled comprising two Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirantes and a Beech King Air 90. Beginning in August, twice-daily scheduled services are inaugurated linking the company’s base at Liverpool Airport with London (Gatwick). Thrice-daily flights commence on October 26.
During late 1982, the carrier takes over financially distressed Eastern Airways, Ltd. and Casair, Ltd. The company now transfers its headquarters to Eastern’s former base at Humberside and joins the British Caledonian Airways, Ltd. (BCAL) commuter network. Employing an upgraded fleet of Shorts 330s and 360s, the carrier initiates scheduled flights to Belfast, Blackpool, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, London (LHR, LGW, and STN), Norwich, and Teesside in the U. K. and Esbjerg in Denmark.
Although this expansion makes Genair, Ltd. one of Britain’s top commuter airlines, the expenses involved prove to be more than can be recouped. As a result, the carrier must cease operations and enter receivership in July 1984.
GENERAL AIR, GmbH.: Germany (1972-1975). A group of West German businessmen in early 1972 obtain certification to operate small Soviet-made aircraft on scheduled domestic routes from Frankfurt. Five Yakovlev Yak-40s are ordered from Riga, Latvia, with the first arriving in June. A number of de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otters are also obtained. Services commence in mid-July and all five Yaks are flying by November.
A DHC-6-100, with three crew and 10 passengers, crashes near Heligoland on May 27, 1973 (eight dead).
Operations continue with little fanfare during 1974.
Because an overrun seems imminent, a Yak 40FG with 2 crew and 14 passengers steers off the right side of the runway after touching down at Saarbrucken on February 9, 1975; the plane collides with some trees, but no serious injuries are reported.
Unable to achieve financial viability because of competition and its accident record, the company shuts down in October.
World History
