INVICTA AIRWAYS

The Airline of Kent

This site is set up to remember the airline that was based in Manston,Kent throughout its 18 years existence. Starting as Invicta Airways Ltd the organisation progressed though several name variations until the final and probably the best known version, Invicta International Airlines Ltd.

Many of the independent airlines of the 1960s and 1970s were charismatic companies although a number were only on the inclusive tour and charter scene for a relatively short time.Due to the nature of the industry, many staff members especially aircrew and engineers worked for a number of these companies over the years. The independent scene was a very close knit community.

The various Invicta companies flew six different types of aircraft.

Malcolm Finnis, the aviation historian has chronicled the history of the airline in his book, ‘Take Off To Touchdown.’

Invicta originated in late 1964 as a result of a take over of Air Ferry Ltd at Manston, with both companies being started up by a well known and leading player in the airline scene,Wing Commander Hugh Kennard.

The Invicta story is told in ‘Take Off To Touchdown,; whilst Air Ferry’s history discovered in ‘The Twilight Of The Pistons.’

Both books are readily available through bookshops or directly from the author.

Captain Gerry Abrahams, First Officer

Pepi Gentile and Chief Air Hostess Flick Hibbs.