Tripoli, March 1959
Libyan Air Announces Major Fleet Modernisation Programme and the Progressive Introduction of the Fokker F.27 Friendship
Since its foundation on the 2nd of October, 1951, in Tripoli, Libyan Air has pursued a clear ambition: to bring the peoples of the Mediterranean closer together, to connect the cities and regions of Libya, and to provide modern, dependable and dignified air transportation worthy of the great international airlines of our age.
Today, after nearly eight years of operations and hundreds of thousands of passengers carried throughout Libya, North Africa and Southern Europe, Libyan Air is proud to announce a decisive new chapter in the development of the Company.
A New Generation of Airliners for the Mediterranean
The introduction of the Fokker F.27 Friendship into the Libyan Air fleet marks the beginning of an important modernisation programme throughout our network.
With its greater cruising speed, remarkable reliability, modern instrumentation and outstanding passenger comfort, the Friendship is progressively becoming the backbone of our Mediterranean services operating from Tripoli.
Unlike certain carriers which favour maximum seating density above all else, Libyan Air has elected to place the comfort of its passengers first.
Our F.27 aircraft are fitted with only 40 Economy Class seats, all of the reclining seat variety, thereby offering a standard of comfort seldom encountered south of the Mediterranean Sea.
This carefully considered arrangement provides:
greater individual passenger comfort,
a quieter and more restful journey,
improved boarding efficiency,
and a superior standard of travel for both businessmen and family travellers alike.
Tripoli Emerges as a Mediterranean Air Crossroads
The successful integration of the Friendship fleet at Tripoli now permits Libyan Air to offer:
reduced travelling times,
improved punctuality,
increased service frequencies,
and more convenient onward connections between Europe, North Africa and Libya.
Our services to:
Rome,
Athens,
Barcelona,
Palma de Mallorca,
and Tunis
are now entering a new and more modern era of operation.
Tripoli is progressively affirming its natural role as an aerial gateway between Southern Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Curtiss C-46 Commando — Honouring a Proud Legacy
Libyan Air also wishes to pay tribute to the faithful Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando.
These sturdy aircraft, several of which first rendered distinguished service during the late war before embarking upon a second career in civil aviation, have played a vital role in the establishment and expansion of our national and international services.
They have connected:
the great coastal cities,
the remote desert territories,
the Saharan routes,
and the Company's earliest European destinations.
As the Friendship progressively assumes responsibility for the Company's principal modern services, the C-46 fleet shall continue temporarily in operation from Benghazi.
This transitional arrangement will:
ensure continuity of service throughout Eastern Libya,
maintain the important Saharan routes,
and permit Libyan Air to continue offering dependable service standards to passengers across the Kingdom during this period of fleet renewal.
An Enterprise Built by Men and Women
Since 1951, Libyan Air has been above all a human endeavour.
The Company is deeply proud of:
its aircrews,
its engineers and mechanics,
its ground personnel,
its administrative staff,
and all the men and women whose dedication has made possible the remarkable progress of Libyan civil aviation.
We likewise extend our sincere gratitude to our passengers, partners and public authorities who have accompanied the Company throughout these formative years.
Every new route inaugurated, every aircraft delivered and every passenger carried represents another important step in the construction of a modern national airline serving Libya and the Mediterranean world.
Libyan Air
Bridging the Mediterranean