Merlin Airways is a British-owned airline founded in 1968. It is one of the oldest and most respected airlines in the world, and has become well-known for its commitment to customer service and a high-quality experience.

The airline was established by two entrepreneurs, John and David Smith, and originally operated a fleet of two DC-3 aircraft. Over the next few years, the company grew and expanded its fleet, and eventually added the Boeing 707, the first widebody aircraft to be operated by Merlin Airways.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the airline continued to grow and expand, becoming one of the leading airlines in the UK. In 1984, the airline became the first in the world to have all its aircraft equipped with electronic flight information systems (EFIS).

In 1988, Merlin Airways opened its first international route, from Heathrow Airport to New York. This was soon followed by routes to other major cities in Europe and the USA, as well as to destinations in the Middle East and Asia.

In the 1990s, the airline continued to expand, introducing new aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A320. In 1998, Merlin Airways opened its first hub at London Gatwick Airport, allowing it to offer more efficient connections to its destinations.

In 2000, the airline announced a major expansion plan, which included the addition of 10 new aircraft and the launch of new routes. This plan was successful, and by 2003, it had a fleet of 50 aircraft, making it the sixth largest airline in the world.

In 2004, the airline celebrated its 35th anniversary by introducing a new logo and livery. It also launched a new frequent flyer program, which allowed customers to earn points for every flight they took.

In 2006, the airline launched its first long-haul route, from London to Los Angeles. This was followed by the launch of other long-haul routes to destinations around the world, such as Brazil, India, and China.

In 2010, the airline announced a fleet-expansion plan, which included the addition of 30 new aircraft. This plan was successful, and by 2012, Merlin Airways had a fleet of 80 aircraft.

Finally, in 2017, the airline celebrated its 50th anniversary. To mark this milestone, it launched a new loyalty scheme, which allowed customers to earn points for every flight they took, as well as exclusive rewards and discounts.

Today, Merlin Airways is one of the largest and most respected airlines in the world. It is renowned for its commitment to customer service and a high-quality experience, and continues to offer an impressive range of destinations around the world.