Connellan Airways - Post World War II

Post World War II

In the midst of World War II Connellan consolidated his air services, which had grown viable and included more routes, and registered Connellan Airways on 23 July 1943. In the post war years Connellan Airways grew, acquiring new routes and equipment. In February 1951 it became a limited company, with many of the shares held by station people and staff. In 1963 Connellan Airways became a regular public transport operator. The Royal Flying Doctor Service continued to charter Connellan Airways aircraft up to 1965, when it purchased two aircraft from the company, but continued using Connellan pilots until 1973.

In 1970 the name was changed to Connair. Connair faced financial difficulty in the 1970s. On 5 January 1977, a disgruntled former employee flew a stolen plane into the Connair building at Alice Springs, killing four including Edward's son Roger Connellan in what became known as the Connellan air disaster.

The company was sold to East-West Airlines on 14 March 1980. It went into liquidation shortly after.

Upon being sold, the Connellan Airways Trust was set up.