Federation Air Service

Last updated
Federation Air Service
Khidmat Udara Persekutuan
Federation Air Service logotype.png
Founded1951
Ceased operations1960
Hubs Kuala Lumpur Airport (current RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base)
Fleet size5 [1]
Destinations44 (scheduled and charter) [2]
Parent company Government of Malaya
Malayan Airways
Malayan Railways
HeadquartersNew Terminal Building, Kuala Lumpur Airport (1956) [3]
Key peopleMax Oxford (Acting Director of Civil Aviation) [4]

Federation Air Service (abbreviation: F.A.S; Malay : Khidmat Udara Persekutuan) [5] was a regional airline operated out of Kuala Lumpur, with routes primarily located in Federation of Malaya (precursor of Malaysia).

Contents

A government-owned airline, it operated scheduled passenger, charter and air-mail service from its main base at Kuala Lumpur Airport (present-day RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base) between 1951 until 1960. [5]

History

1951: Formation

Federation Air Service traced its origin in 1951, based on the needs of the government to improve the air transportation network and secured internal communications across the federation during the Malayan Emergency. The airline was aimed on connecting the smaller towns of the federation, which was then only accessible via land transport. Pursuant to the plan, the government has selected 5 units of de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver aircraft for the missions. Additionally, various abandoned airfields in the secondary towns which was disused after the war was also being redeveloped for the feeder service. [1]

The pilots are sourced from Malayan Airways on a contractual basis. The carrier planned to operate on three separate routes – towards north, south and central, with all of the networks originating from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of then-British Malaya. There are four aircraft for the mission, with the fifth aircraft reserved for charter and as a backup. Costing £15,000 each, the aircraft were ordered from United Kingdom and manufactured in Canada by de Havilland Aircraft Company. [1] It was then delivered to Malaya via Singapore using a vessel from Isthmian Steamship Company. [6] All of the aircraft are named after the Malayan birds. [7]

The first two aircraft for the carrier arrived in Singapore from Canada in October 1951, as the carrier originally planned to commenced its operations in November 1951. Established as a project by the Federation government, the service is designed primarily for government officials, with the remaining seats offered for purchase to the general public. [7]

1951–1954: Beginning of operations

A Federation Air Service aircraft (VR-RBT) VR-RBS, before 1959.png
A Federation Air Service aircraft (VR-RBT)

Its inaugural flight was launched on 28 December 1951. The aircraft departed Kallang Airport, Singapore at 8:15 a.m and arrived in Kuala Lumpur at 11:15 a.m, the stopovers include Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, Labis, Kluang and Malacca. The maiden flight was piloted by Capt. G. J. Rendwick. Due to the absence of advertisement, the first flight to Kuala Lumpur was flown without any passengers. The return trip however, the airline recorded one paying occupant — a member of the civil service, as well as two officials from Malayan Airways. [8]

After the achievement of its southern circuit flights departing from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, a central circuit route is planned to be introduced by March 1952. The planned central circuit flight is set to cater to the needs of the region, encompassing Pahang and the east coast, connecting Bentong, Benta, Temerloh, Kuantan, and Kuala Terengganu. The third and final phase will be the north-west circuit, covering north and west-bound destinations from Kuala Lumpur, consisting Jenderatala (near Teluk Anson), Sitiawan, Penang, Alor Setar, Kroh, Taiping and Ipoh. [9] The northwest circuit, bound for Ipoh was introduced in July 1952, [10] while its central route was extended to Kota Bharu in October 1952. [11] A further extension was made for its northwest route to include Ulu Bernam, Kroh and Kuala Krai in late 1953. [12]

Additionally, flight time between Malayan Airways and Federation Air Service are being coordinated to ensure a smooth transition for passengers transferring between the main trunk routes operated by Malayan Airways and the more outlying areas served by Federation Air Service. [13] Mr. Max Oxford, acting director of Civil Aviation, states that seats on the Federation Air Service are open for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis and can be reserved at any time before a flight unless already sold. Furthermore, three seats allocated for Government and military officials will be released for sale to the general public if not claimed by 9:00 a.m the day before the flight. [4]

Following the launch of the airline, the carrier has generated numerous interest from the public pertaining to its service, especially among the planters, miners and business officials. Pursuant to the inquiries, it was informed by the managing director of Civil Aviation, Max Oxford that the aim of the carrier is to provide an air link between the smaller towns. The carrier do not intended to compete with a direct flight between Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and rivaling with the already existing Malayan Airways schedule. Despite so, the managing director informed that during unique circumstances, it is possible to use a direct flight between the two major cities via the Federation Air Service. [8]

Nevertheless, as the Malayan Emergency situation showed strong signs of improvement; as well as the increasing public trust in the safety of the southern road and railroad systems in Johore, the Federation Air Service experienced a diminished interest from the public for its southern route. Thus, he airline decided to terminate its southern route from 7 December 1953. [12]

1954–1958: Acquisition by Malayan Railways

The middle of 1954 saw a major change on the airline's stakeholders. Following the expiration of the agreement made between Malayan Airways and the Government of Malaya from 30 June 1954, the management of Federation Air Service was then continued by Malayan Railways company. [14]

The change would also witnessed a new opportunities for the aviation company. From 1 July 1954, the Federation Air Service tickets was also began to be sold at the train stations across the federation. Despite the takeover, it was being informed that there was no changes on the timetable, routes nor any withdrawal from the existing ticketing agents. [15] However, it was hoped by Max Oxford, the Director of Malayan Civil Aviation that by combining the rail and regional air service under the same management, it will result a profit for the company due to the overhead cost-cutting measures. [14]

1958–1960: Merger with Malayan Airways

A Federation Air Service aircraft (9M-ALW), after being re-registered following the change on the national registration code Federation Air Service Aircraft.jpg
A Federation Air Service aircraft (9M-ALW), after being re-registered following the change on the national registration code

The contract between Federation Air Service and Malayan Railways ended in February 1958. Subsequent to the contract's completion, the airline is now managed by Malayan Airways. The Government of Malaya, being another major stakeholder of the Federation Air Service, decided to terminate all of the unprofitable routes. [16]

The termination of the routes was done as the feeder airline service was running on a loss since its inception in 1951. Based on the official records, by 1957, the carrier recorded a loss of $280,860, an increase compared to $140,986 loss in 1956. The financial setback resulted from various factors, such as increased payroll costs, additional expenditures for provisions and an overall decrease in chartered flights. [16]

Additionally, the Federation Air Service was originally established to provide a safe and reliable means of transportation during the height of Malayan Emergency. However, as stability restored across Malaya towards the end of 1950s, the needs and relevance of Federation Air Service gradually become obsolete. [16]

1960: End of operations

The Federation Air Service wrapped up its western route flights in March 1958, signaling the end of its operations in that area. [17] The conclusion of the western route flights in March 1958 marked the second significant route closure for the Federation Air Service, following the termination of the southern route 5 years earlier in December 1953. [12]

The final flight for the eastern route to Kuala Terengganu took place around 1960. [18] These milestones marked the overall discontinuation of the Federation Air Service, reflecting adjustments in response to changing demands, economic factors, and the evolving transportation landscape of the time.

Former Fleet

Federation Air Service Fleet
AircraftTotalPassengersNotes
DHC-2 Beaver [1] 56
  • The aircraft were re-registered from VR-Rxx to Malaysian Registration 9M-Axx in 1959 pursuant to the change of national registration code.

Destinations Served

Historically, Federation Air Service operated scheduled flights into the following destinations: [19] [20]

In addition to these scheduled services, the airline also included other chartered destinations in its flight offerings. [2]

Accidents and incidents

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kuala Lumpur International Airport</span> Airport in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the main international airport serving Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. It is located in the Sepang District of Selangor, approximately 45 km (28 mi) south of downtown Kuala Lumpur and serves the city's greater conurbation.

Malaysia Airlines is the flag carrier of Malaysia headquartered at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The airline flies to destinations across Europe, Oceania and Asia from its main hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport as well as a secondary hub at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Malaysia Airlines Berhad is formerly known as Malaysian Airline System.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Singapore Airlines</span> Flag carrier of Singapore

Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier of Singapore with its hub located at Changi Airport. A member of Star Alliance, the airline is notable for highlighting the Singapore Girl as its central figure in the corporate branding segment and not significantly changing its livery throughout its history. Widely renowned as one of the world's best carriers, the airline is ranked as a 5-star airline as well as ranked as the world's best airline by Skytrax five times. The airline operates a variety of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, namely the A350, A380, Boeing 737, Boeing 747 Freighter, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport</span> Civilian airport in Subang, Selangor, Malaysia

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport — formerly Subang International Airport/Kuala Lumpur International Airport, often called Subang Airport — is an airport located in Subang, Petaling District, Selangor, Malaysia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malaysia–Singapore Airlines</span> Defunct national airline of Malaysia and Singapore (1966–1972)

Malaysia–Singapore Airlines was the multinational flag carrier of Malaysia and Singapore. The airline was previously renamed twice, being founded as Malayan Airways from 1946 to 1963, Malaysian Airways from 1963 to 1965, and ultimately in 1966 as a result of a joint ownership of the airline by the governments of the two countries not long after Singapore was expelled from Malaysia. It was headquartered at Robinson Road in Singapore.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raya Airways</span> Cargo airline of Malaysia

Raya Airways Sdn Bhd d/b/a Raya Airways, is a cargo airline with its head office at Cyberjaya, Selangor and the main hub for Raya Airways at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penang International Airport</span> Airport serving Penang, Malaysia

Penang International Airport (PIA) is an international airport in George Town, the capital city of the Malaysian state of Penang. The airport is located at the southeastern tip of Penang Island, 16 km (9.9 mi) south of the city centre, and serves the country's second largest conurbation.

Royal Air Force Kuala Lumpur or more simply RAF Kuala Lumpur is a former Royal Air Force (RAF) station in the Federation of Malaya and saw extensive use during the Malayan Emergency.

Aviation in Singapore is a key component of the Singaporean economy. Besides currently the sixth busiest airport and the fourth busiest air cargo hub in Asia, the Singaporean aviation industry is also a significant aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kuching International Airport</span> Airport serving Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Kuching International Airport (KIA) is an international airport serving the entire southwestern region of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is located 11 km (6.8 mi) south of Kuching city centre. The airport is colocated with the RMAF Kuching, home to the No. 7 Squadron RMAF.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kota Kinabalu International Airport</span> Airport serving Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is an international airport in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia, approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) southwest of the city centre. In 2023, the airport handled over 7 million passengers passengers, making it the the second busiest airport in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur International Airport in terms of both passenger and aircraft movements, though the number fell short of its peak in 2019, when it recorded over 9 million passengers passengers. It is also the third busiest in Malaysia for cargo.

Pelangi Airways Sdn Bhd was a regional airline of Malaysia based at Kuala Lumpur Subang Airport. The airline covered secondary routes within Peninsular Malaysia and international flights to Sumatra in Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scoot</span> Low-cost airline of Singapore

Scoot Pte Ltd, operating as Scoot, is a Singaporean low-cost airline and a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. It began its operations on 4 June 2012 on medium and long-haul routes from Singapore, predominantly to various airports throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Scoot's airline slogan is Escape the Ordinary.

Batik Air Malaysia is a Malaysian full-service carrier, an associate carrier of the Indonesian Lion Air Group, with headquarters in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. The original name, Malindo, signifies a cooperative pact between Malaysia and Indonesia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Singapore Airlines</span>

This article explores the history of Singapore Airlines, the flag carrier of the Republic of Singapore and based at the Singapore Changi Airport. Singapore Airlines, also known by its abbreviations of SIA or SQ, has often been ranked throughout its history as either amongst the best or the best airline in the world.

Borneo Airways Limited also known as Borneo Airways, was the flag carrier and the principal domestic airline in British Borneo based in Labuan between 1957 until 1 April 1965 when it merged with Malaysian Airways.

MYAirline was a short-lived Malaysian low-cost airline founded in 2021. It was headquartered in Subang Jaya, Selangor and primarily operated from KLIA2, the low-cost carrier terminal of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The airline began its maiden flight on 1 December 2022 to Kuching International Airport. The company slogan was Your Experience Matters.

Wearne's Air Service (WAS), established in 1937, was an early Malayan airline.

Pelandok Airways was a former Malaysian airline which commenced operations in October 1971 through a collaboration between the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) and Taiwan's Far Eastern Air Transport Corporation. The airline positioned itself as a provider of low-cost flights, charter services, and cargo transportation.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Federation buys five 'baby' planes for new feeder service". The Straits Times. 1951-04-10. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  2. 1 2 "Federation Air Service – June 56". The Straits Times. 1953-09-23. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  3. ↑ "Page 12 Advertisements Column", The Straits Times, 1956-08-03, retrieved 2023-12-21
  4. 1 2 "Public Must Apply Early For Seats". The Straits Times. 1952-02-28. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  5. 1 2 "ISTILAH2 BAHARU DEWAN BAHASA". Berita Harian. 1959-01-02. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  6. ↑ "2 Beavers arrive". The Straits Times. 1951-10-13. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  7. 1 2 "Beavers will be here next week". The Straits Times. 1951-09-29. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  8. 1 2 "-And he was an air official". The Straits Times. 1951-12-29. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  9. ↑ "'BEAVER' SERVICE PLAN HITS A SNAGT". The Straits Times. 1951-11-30. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  10. ↑ "Beaver service for Perak". The Straits Times. 1952-07-12. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  11. ↑ "FEWER BEAVER FLIGHTS". The Straits Times. 1952-10-30. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  12. 1 2 3 "'Beaver' l service to south ending". The Straits Times. 1952-12-19. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  13. ↑ "More Airfields For Federation Network". The Straits Times. 1953-01-09. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  14. 1 2 "-THOSE BEAVERS MAY RUN AT A PROFIT NOW". The Straits Times. 1954-05-27. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  15. ↑ "RAIL STATIONS TO SELL AIR TICKETS". The Straits Times. 1954-05-28. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  16. 1 2 3 "Commercial Beaver service". The Straits Times. 1957-11-27. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  17. ↑ "Mr. OXFORD WAS LAST MAN". The Straits Times. 1958-03-01. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  18. ↑ "Perkhidmatan kapalterbang untok Kuala Trengganu". Berita Harian. 1961-07-15. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  19. ↑ "Federation Air Service – Scheduled Service Sept 53". The Straits Times. 1953-09-23. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  20. ↑ "Federation Air Service – Scheduled Service Han 54". The Straits Times. 1953-09-23. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  21. ↑ "c/n 142", Beaver Tails, retrieved 2023-12-21
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.