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.
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.
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 seizes the opportunity to invest 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Timeline

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

Our timeline provides an opportunity to explore our Group's heritage: 200 years of facilitating a high quality service to our customers and communities in the geographies where we operate.

The history of Bland Group is rich and inspiring, and we take pride in sharing this with you. It is part of who we are and how we got here. Our evolution is a testament to our strength and resilience.

1860

The Adelia Arab sets sail in 1861

1866

The company expands its fleet of vessels to broaden business activity

1904

The company seizes the opportunity to salvage cargo

1914 - 1918

Warfare declared as part of World War I

1918 - 1930

The fleet of vessels expands routes right across to America

1919

Gibel Sarsar, Gibel Zerjon I, Gibel Zerjon II

1928

Gibel Dersa II

1931

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

1939 - 1945

World War II

1947

Gibair commences it’s services

1954

Mons Calpe

1957

Airport Expansion

1961

Agreement signed with BEA

1969 - 1984

The land border between Gibraltar and Spain closes

1989

Headquarters move to the UK

1995

GB Airways becomes fully franchised with BA

2008

Acquisition by easyJet

2017

Gibair celebrates 70 years of service

Timeline

Take a look into our evolution

Find out more about our key people

Take a look back in time from 1810