Ace Freighters

ACE Freighters Ltd. – Aviation Charter Enterprises Ltd. was formed in 1962 as Europe's first all-cargo airline. Operations began with one L749A Freighter on 1 March 1964, after the company received an E license to operate non-scheduled all-freight operations in January 1964. The aircraft flew medium to long-haul cargo charter flights, particularly to the Middle and the Far East. In September 1964, a Douglas DC-4 was acquired, and November saw four more L749A Freighters bought, though none ever flew for the company. Two further Connie Freighters were purchased from Euravia-Skyways during 1965, and Ace leased the third aircraft from the same company. In May 1966, for example, G-ALAL flew up to five return flights a day from Southend to Rotterdam. Freight charters were operated into Heathrow for Aer Lingus, Swissair, and United Arab Airlines. On 23 September 1966, the airline was placed in liquidation after having run up large debts for fuel, and the aircraft fleet was stored until sold.