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
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season