WEARNE'S AIR SERVICE - EARLY MALAYAN AIRLINE

RESOURCE: HISTORY INSIGHTS - MALAYSIA

Wearne's Air Service (WAS), established in 1937, was an early Malayan airline.

Based in Kallang Airport, Singapore, it emerged as one of the earliest airlines in the region. WAS operated a diverse range of air services, including scheduled passenger flights, charter operations, aerial photography, land surveying, cargo and air mail transportation. Additionally, the airline is alternatively referred to as Wearne's Air Services or Wearnes Air Services.

The inception of Wearne's Air Service dates back to 1906, initiated by Australian siblings Charles Frederick Foster Wearne and Theodore James Benjamin Wearne. Their establishment, C.F.F. Wearne & Company, initially concentrated on the automotive sector, evolving into Wearne Brothers Limited by 1912. Specialising in renowned automobile brands including Oldsmobiles, Rolls-Royces and Fords, the company diversified its operations to encompass motorized services throughout Southeast Asia. In tandem with this expansion, subsidiary automotive companies were established to manage Wearne's various agencies, starting with Malayan Motors.

In 1929, the aspiration for air transport took root when Charles Wearne envisioned providing air services in Malaya. To realise this dream, he imported an Avro Avian plane to be assembled by the mechanics at Malayan Motors. The unveiling of the plane at Malayan Motors' showroom generated significant interest, marking a significant step towards the realization of Charles Wearne's vision.

A crucial development unfolded with the establishment of Kallang Airport in 1937. This new aviation hub not only provided essential infrastructure but also played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the emergence of local airlines. Inspired by a vision for airborne transportation, Charles Wearne turned his attention to aviation, ultimately leading to the Wearne's Air Service.

On June 28, 1937, WAS achieved a significant milestone with the commencement of its first official service. Utilizing the DH.89 Dragon Rapide aircraft, the flight traversed from Singapore to Penang with a stop in Kuala Lumpur. Beyond its role in transporting airmail, the inaugural service also accommodated several passengers.

In a subsequent phase of development, WAS expanded its services to Alor Setar, inaugurating a weekly Saturday flight from April 2, 1938. Simultaneously, the airline broadened its network by introducing a daily flight to Ipoh later that year. The airline had aspirations to enhance its network even more by including Johore, Port Swettenham and Setiawan among its growing list of destinations.

Impressed by the efficiency of Wearne's Air Services, the government has deemed it justifiable to provide financial assistance to maintain the service.

Wearne's Air Service underwent a significant shift in its trajectory when the government assumed control of the airline just before the Japanese attack on Malaya in 1941.

Despite the cessation of military control after the war in 1945, the airline did not resume its services, marking the closure of an era in Southeast Asian aviation history.

Source and image credit: Wikipedia

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21/2/2025: 10.33 p.m