Former Britannia boss dies
Derek Davison, former managing director, chairman and chief executive of Britannia Airways, has died aged 84.
Davison, who retired in 1988, joined what was then Euravia as chief pilot on the first flight to Palma in 1962.
Following several years as operations director, he was appointed managing director in 1976, still continuing to fly regularly.
In 1982 he became the airline’s chairman and chief executive, positions he held until his retirement six years later.
Davison’s career at Britannia – now Thomsonfly – covered an era of development and growth from its earliest days through to the pioneering introduction of a large fleet of Boeing 737s and 767-200s – Britannia was the first European airline to introduce these aircraft in the 1970s and 80s.
“It’s without doubt that he made a tremendous contribution to both the airline and to the wider aviation industry, for which he was awarded the CBE in 1985,” a TUI Travel statement said.
There will be a private cremation on November 5 followed at 12.15 by a service to celebrate his life to be held at Westoning Church, Bedfordshire.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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