The Bland Group timeline

Name: The Bland Group
Address: Cloister Building, Irish Town, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar

Our timeline provides an opportunity to explore the evolution of the Bland Group to the present day.

We take great pride in our heritage, a fine heritage that spans over 200 years facilitating high quality services to our customers and the communities in geographies where we operate.

Our heritage is testament to the strength and resilience of the Bland Group.

Use the chevrons to scroll through the carousel, alternatively click a year on the timescale itself.

1810

Marcus Henry Bland established a Shipping Agency

Marcus Henry Bland a merchant venturer from Liverpool moves to Gibraltar and established a Shipping Agency from his home in Irish Town. At this time, Gibraltar has established port administration services to handle the commercial vessels berthing on the Rock.
1839

Marcus Henry Bland starts working for the company

Marcus Henry Bland born in 1797 starts working for the company before his father dies in 1839. He goes into partnership with Charles Middleton and John Mackintosh and establishes Middleton, Mackintosh and Bland (MMB). In 1856, he dies and passes the company down a generation to his two sons, Marcus Horatio and John.
1860

The Adelia Arab sets sail in 1861

In 1810, Marcus Henry Bland arrives in Gibraltar and establishes the company before it is passed to his grandsons Marcus Horatio and John. In 1861, John Mackintosh becomes a ship owner purchasing the 69 ton tug Adelia. The first Bland ship links Gibraltar and Tangier and sets the scene for opportunities and rapid expansion in the shipping industry.
1861

MMB moved into ship owning

MMB moved into ship owning, acquiring the Adelia and Arab. With the deaths of Charles Middleton and John Mackintosh, MMB was dissolved; the goodwill and trade was, in turn, taken over by John Bland on Marcus Horatio’s death, and was renamed and registered on October 1st, 1865 in Gibraltar as MH Bland & Co (MHB).
1866

The company expands its fleet of vessels to broaden business activity

After securing the Adelia in the early 1860's the company expands and acquires additional vessels to transport not only goods, but passengers across the Straits. These multi-purpose vessels further developed shipping links between Gibraltar and the Moroccan coast offering passenger cargo and Gibraltar Post Office services along with towing and salvage. By the 1900's the company have acquired the Adelia, The Arab, Hercules I, the Gibel Tarik I and the Gibel Musa I.
1882

Marcus Horatio Bland dies and the company is passed to his brother John

Marcus Horatio Bland dies at a young age and the company is passed to his brother John. In time, John Bland’s health also deteriorates and he passes the management of MHB to Joseph Gaggero (II), a manager in MHB, and his brother Manuel, who had served MHB since around 1862. The brothers were the descendants of Joseph Gaggero (I), their Grandfather who had moved to Gibraltar from Sestri, Genoa, Italy in 1813.
1891

The Gaggeros acquire the Bland business

Following the death of John Bland, who failed to produce an heir, Joseph Gaggero (II) and his brother Emmanuel acquired MHB. The brothers seize the opportunity and seek a loan. A limited company is formed and on the 23rd December, during the first MH Bland Ltd's Board meeting, Joseph is appointed as the Managing Director and Emmanuel the Company's first Director.
1904

The company seizes the opportunity to salvage cargo

The company continues to expand its fleet to trade between Spain, North Africa and Great Britain. In 1911 the company has twelve vessels. During this time, the salvage and towing operations are handled by Emmanuel Gaggero. A busy stream of ships passing through the Straits are often subject to difficult weather conditions. Emmanuel invests in a fast torpedo boat, so that the company can respond rapidly to distress calls and be the first to get a line on board.
1911

Avelino Gaggero became Chairman of MHB

Avelino Gaggero, the youngest brother of Joseph and Manuel, returned to Gibraltar upon Joseph’s death, and took over as Chairman of MHB. At this point Manuel was in poor health, and left Gibraltar for Spain. After his death, George, aged 17 and Joseph Gaggero’s eldest son, was appointed Managing Director of MHB and his mother Maria assumed the role of Chairman. George was later joined by his brothers Charles and Joseph; the latter died in 1944.
1914 - 1918

Warfare declared as part of World War I

Germany declares unrestricted submarine warfare and the company looses the Gibel Yedid I and Gibel Hamam I. Gibel Derif narrowly escapes. In the same year the company commences its passenger sailings between Gibraltar, Tangier and Casablanca.
1918 - 1930

The fleet of vessels expands routes right across to America

The cargo steamers Gibel Haman II and Gibel Yedid II carry coal between Great Britain and Gibraltar whilst Gibel Derif II and Gelahui focus their efforts on the local trade and salvage market. The Gibel Yedid II sails from Gibraltar to the United States taking iron ore to Virginia and returning with coal.
1919

Gibel Sarsar, Gibel Zerjon I, Gibel Zerjon II

The links between Gibraltar to Morocco, Algeria and Spain are enhanced and regular scheduled passenger services are carried out using the Gibel Sarsar and Gibel Zerjon. In 1920 a ship is purchased from P&O for the Casablanca service.
1928

Gibel Dersa II

In 1928 George Gaggero pioneers a car ferry. Meeting popular demand, this service is popular, ferrying both passengers and cars across the Straits of Gibraltar.
1929

George Gaggero became Chairman of MHB

Arising from share transfers, George Gaggero became Chairman of MHB. Over time, he developed multiple scheduled shipping services as part of Bland Line port facilities including bunker services, stevedoring and ship repairs. He also carried out a wide range of salvage operations and founded Gibraltar Airways.
1931

Gibraltar Airways is established as air links between Gibraltar and Tangier commence.

In one of the company's most difficult years, Gibraltar Airways is established. Creating a new line of business to compensate for the economic depression. A small seaplane is required and once a Saunders-Roe A21 Windhover flying boat is sourced, a limited service for six passengers commences, providing a route between Gibraltar and Tangier via air. This service is the start of many new and innovative opportunities.
1939 - 1945

World War II

Whilst the war had a level of impact upon the business, the company remained strong, providing their shipping agency, repair yard and coal bunkering facilities to meet the demands of the War Department. In addition, Gibraltar Airways, represented Imperial Airways providing management, staff and local agents to support operations.
1941

George Gaggero is Knighted for his services to Gibraltar and its people
1947

Joseph James Gaggero III, eldest son of now Sir George Gaggero (1941), joined MHB

He was later appointed Managing Director and Chairman; by this point, MHB was 100% subsidiary of the Bland Group Ltd. Comprised aviation, shipping and travel companies, in which he also held the roles of both Chairman and Managing Director. After World War II, he reinvigorated MHB, aggressively developing existing trade interests and diversifying the company’s aviation, travel and tourism interests; this expanded the geographical spread of its trading portfolio.
1947

Gibair commences it’s services

World War II saw the development of a runway in Gibraltar. Gibraltar Airways, later known at GB Airways, sets up a seven seat scheduled service with British European Airways (BEA). At this time MH Bland & Co are appointed to handle cargo handling. In 1947, when Gibraltar Airport was simply an old RAF Blister Hanger with absolutely no facilities, Gibair began providing ground handling facilities.
1954

Mons Calpe

The last car passenger ferry is built for Bland Line. During Spanish restrictions between 1964 – 1981 carried Moroccan labour and fresh produce to Gibraltar, thus keeping Gibraltar's lifeline open. With capacity for 586 passengers and 85 cars. Over 100,000 cars are shipped annually across the Straits using this route.
1957

Airport Expansion

The Gibraltar tourist department initiates a new airport terminal expanding aviation access to Gibraltar.
1961

Agreement signed with BEA

An agreement is signed with British European Airways (BEA) for joint planning and promotion of air services from Gibraltar to London and Madrid. GB Airways has its headquarters at Cloister Building, Irish Town, Gibraltar
1969 - 1984

The land border between Gibraltar and Spain closes

Relations with Spain have deteriorated and in June 1969, Franco closes the land border between Gibraltar and Spain. The Mons Calpe continues to operate in the Straits and Gibraltar Airways operates regular flights to London and Tangier. The company work hard to maintain operations during this time, focusing its efforts on diversifying the Group's efforts in the travel and tourism industry.
1982

James Gaggero joins Bland Group

James Gaggero joins Bland Group and become the fourth generation of his family to work within the Group and later becomes the fourth generation to chair the Group.
1987

James Gaggero was appointed Chairman of Bland Ltd

James Gaggero, eldest son of Joseph Gaggero (III), was appointed Chairman of Bland Ltd in July 1987. Later on, 18th October 2007, his father passed the baton of Chairman of Bland Group Ltd to James, who continues to pursue all of these roles to this day. (See book “Running With The Baton by Joseph J Gaggero, published 2005).
1989

Headquarters move to the UK

In 1989 the company moved to the UK basing itself at Gatwick Airport and became GB Airways.
1995

GB Airways becomes fully franchised with BA

GB Airways is recognised as a fully British Airways franchise operator.
2008

Acquisition by easyJet

The acquisition by easyJet was completed in January 2008, with the company buying GB Airways from the Bland group. Over 27 years, since 1981, GB Airways owned 18 Aeroplanes and leased 42 Aircraft, (including 18 Boeing 737, 11 Airbus 320 and 7 Airbus 321). At its peak in 2007, GB airways operated 16 Airbus family aircraft carrying 3 million passengers annually and serving 38 destinations across Europe and Africa.
2010

200-year anniversary

Bland Group celebrates its 200-year anniversary. Recognising all it has achieved over the 200 years.
2017

Gibair celebrates 70 years of service

Gibair marks it’s 70th anniversary in December 2017 as the leading provider of ground handling services in Gibraltar.