At the end of
World War I, the prospect of an expanding aviation market led Westland Aircraft to design a light transport aircraft for three passengers. It was Westland's first commercial aeroplane and designated the
Westland Limousine I. The first aircraft (initially
registered K-126, but quickly re-registered
G-EAFO) flew in July
1919. A biplane, it was powered by one
Rolls-Royce Falcon III engine. The passengers were in an enclosed cabin and the pilot sat in the port rear of the four seats. His seat was higher to enable his head to be raised through the cabin roof. The second aircraft (
G-EAJL) was designated the
Limousine II and was completed in October 1919. Both the first and second aircraft were used from September
1920 for two months on an experimental express
air mail service between
Croydon and
Le Bourget. A third aircraft was built and was at first test-flown with a new
Cosmos Jupiter engine, but later was fitted with the Falcon III. Another four aircraft were built, two of which were used by
Instone Air Line to fly from London to Paris and
Brussels. To enter the
Air Ministry's 1920 Commercial Aircraft Competition, the aircraft was re-designed as the larger
Limousine III for five passengers. It used the 450 hp
Napier Lion engine. The aircraft won the £7,500 Air Ministry prize but only one more aircraft was constructed, which was later operated by
Instone Air Line. The first
Limousine III (registered
G-EARV) pioneered air transport in
Newfoundland when it was operated by the Aerial Survey Company (Newfoundland) Ltd. (see
Sidney Cotton). It was used for seal and fishery spotting including being used on skis. Two of the earlier
Limousine IIs were also to end up in Newfoundland. The company operated in Newfoundland until the end of 1923, carrying mail and passengers to remote outposts. == Aircraft ==