Avro York I (G-AGJA) of BOAC in flight, 14 January 1944

The Avro York was a transport derived from the Avro Lancaster. The prototype first flew on 5 July 1942, and the type entered RAF service in May 1943.

The York was used for freight and passengers, the third prototype being a VIP version for King George VI and the Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill. The York became one of the first types ordered for RAF Transport Command when it was formed on 25 March 1943. G-AGJA was the first of several which were diverted from the RAF to provide BOAC with aircraft for services to Africa.