Proudly proclaiming itself to be “Scotland’s Airline”, Caledonian Airways was a bold attempt to create a challenger airline in 1960s Britain, where the market was dominated by BOAC. Caledonian started life as a charter operator in 1961, and was soon operating flights from Prestwick to the US and Europe.

Crucial to its early success was its use of a loop-hole in international air travel regulations, which allowed airlines to offer cheap charter tickets to “affinity groups” – such as clubs or societies. Hence, dozens of groups called things like Friends of Clan Albion, Paisley Buddies, British American Club, or Canadian US Pacific Association, were created, purely to take advantage of cheap air travel. By 1969, more passengers were crossing the Atlantic on Caledonian’s charter flights than on the scheduled flights of Aer Lingus, El Al, Sabena or Swissair.

The extremely Scottish nature of this menu was characteristic of Caledonian, which had its cabin crew wear tartan uniforms, and played up its Scottish origins whenever possible. It also sought to distinguish itself with its lavish on-board service, which included fillet steak and free cocktails.

Courtesy Private Collection.