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Orion Airways was an airline based in the UK and headquartered in East Midlands Airport. The airline was established as the charter airline of Horizon Travel it went on to plan scheduled services. Orion Airways was known for offering great service and being punctual with its scheduled flight services.

Orion was established in 1978 by Horizon Travel in order to help support its package holiday business. Orion began its operations on the 28th of March 1980. Due to its popularity, Orion decided to expand its fleet and began to diversify, taking on charter work. In 1986, the airline was given permission to fly scheduled flights from East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport to a number of holiday destinations. Later in 1987, the Horizon group including Orion was bought by Bass, which is a large brewing and hotels group. But then in 1988, Bass agreed an offer from the Thomson Travel Group.

Orion Airways had a fleet consisting of a Boeing 737-200s, Boeing 737-300s and Airbus A300s.

Baggage Policy

Orion Airways had different baggage policy, including weights and sizes for carry-on and checked baggage.

Carry-on Baggage

Information on Orion Airways' carry-on baggage is unavailable. However, it's likely that Orion Airways allowed passengers to bring one item of free carry-on baggage and one free small personal item e.g. laptop case, briefcase, or tote bag.

Passengers were not allowed to bring any prohibited items in their carry-on baggage including, liquids over 100ml. Any prohibited items found at the airport security check would be removed and disposed of.

Checked Baggage

Information on Orion Airways' checked baggage is unavailable. However, it's likely that Orion Airways allowed passengers to bring 1 checked baggage on international flights completely free of charge. On domestic flights, it's likely that Orion Airways would charge its passengers to bring a checked baggage.

Due to international health and safety regulations, checked baggage cannot weigh over 32kg and must not exceed the permitted size allowance.

In-flight Entertainment & WIFI

Orion Airways didn't have any in-flight entertainment onboard for its passengers.

Food & Drink

Meals on Orion Airways flights were unknown. However, many airlines offer a number of food and beverages that you can purchase on all flights over 1 hour. On long-haul flights, Orion Airways provided passengers with at least 1 meal which was included in their flight price.

Check-In

Orion Airways didn't offer online check in so passengers had to check in at the airport.

Online Check-in

Orion Airways didn't offer online check in.

Airport Check-in

Orion Airways passengers had to check in at the airport at least 3 hours prior to their flight departure time.

Frequent Flyer Programme

Orion Airways didn't offer a frequent flyer programme for its passengers.

Airline Alliance

Orion Airways was not a member of an airline alliance, however the parent company of Orion Airways is Horizon Travel.

Alternatives to Orion Airways

Please click on the logos below to find out more about airlines that fly similar routes to Orion Airways:

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Hub Airport

East Midlands Airport

Orion Airways hub airport was located in the East Midlands Airport (EMA). This airport is an international airport situated in the East Midlands of England. East Midlands Airport serves the East Midlands region of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Rutland and Derbyshire. In 2022, East Midlands Airport handled over 3 million passengers.

This airport is also a hub for Jet2, Ryanair, TUI Airways, Eastern Airways and many more!

Fleet

Orion Airways' fleet consists of Boeing 737-200's, Boeing 737-300's and Airbus A300B's. The Boeing 737-200 carried 130 passengers and the Airbus A300B aircraft could handle up to 375 passengers onboard.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Orion Airways?

Unfortunately, Orion Airways ceased its operations in 1989. It was not long after that Orion Airways' titles disappeared from aircraft and buildings at East Midlands Airport since the new owners wanted to relocate its base at Luton Airport.

Can I buy Orion Airways?

Due to Orion Airways ceasing its operations, you can no longer buy Orion Airways flights. However, there are many other airlines that offer a similar route to Orion Airways including, easyJet, Ryanair, Air France, British Airways and many more!