note

Sabre Airlines began operations on December 17, 1994 as a charter carrier, taking over contracts from defunct Ambassador Ariways. In November 2000, a 67% stake was sold to Libra Holidays Group, and its name was changed to Excel Airways on January 16, 2001. In March 2004, Avion Group (parent of Air Atlanta Icelandic) took a 40.5% stake in Excel Airways Group. The airline operated charters to leisure destinations in Europe, Africa, and North America. In May 2006, the airline merged with Air Atlanta Europe UK, and three 747s were operated for Travel Direct UK for some 17 months. On October 30, 2006, management acquired XL Leisure Group from Avion Group, and the airline was rebranded XL Airways. XL Leisure also owned Star Airlines France and Star Europe, which were both rebranded as XL. On September 11, 2008, parent XL Leisure Group filed for administration, and the UK airline ceased operations on the following day. The airline cited the soft economy and high fuel prices.

founded - demised (age)

1994 - September 12 2008  (14)

headquarters

Mitre Court, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex

web

www.xl.com

base airports

EGKK Gatwick London
EGCC Ringway International Manchester

related operators

XL Airways France	sister co.
XL Airways Germany	sister co.
	sistffer co.