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Cyprus Airways is the national airline of Cyprus, based in
Nicosia. It operates scheduled services to cities in Europe,
the Middle East and the Gulf. Its main base is Larnaca International
Airport (LCA), with a hub at Paphos International Airport
(PFO).
Cyprus Airways was established on 24 September 1947 as a
joint venture between the Cypriot Government, British European
Airways (BEA) and private interests. It started operations
on 19 April 1948. Initially Douglas DC-3 aircraft were used
on regional routes from Nicosia. From 1953 Vickers Viscounts
owned and operated by BEA were used on services to London.
These were replaced with the introduction of De Havilland
Trident Two aircraft acquired from BEA, with BEA red-wings,
but otherwise in full Cyprus Airways livery. It lost its Nicosia
base and several aircraft when Turkey invaded Cyprus in July
1974, but restarted limited operations from Larnaca on 8 February
1975. In 1992 it established, and wholly owns, Eurocypria
Airlines to obtain greater share of the charter market to
Cyprus, and founded Hellas Jet in Greece in 2002 and holds
a 75% share of that airline. Cyprus Airways is owned by the
Government of Cyprus (69.62%) and private shareholders (30.38%).
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