used as a freighter and communications purposes. A specialised executive transport was also produced, its cabin accommodating up to four seated passengers along with a lavatory and additional space for luggage. Somewhat paradoxically, a militarised reconversion was also devised; this model was armed with two forward-firing .303 machine guns, up to eight 25lb rockets, and a single rear-facing turret. Operational history The Consul saw service with numerous small scheduled and charter airlines as feeder liners in Great Britain, and also Belgium, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, East Africa and Canada, and was the first type operated by Malayan Airways, the predecessor of Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines. Various owners emerged for individual aircraft. A number were acquired for training purposes. Several Consuls were operated as executive transports by a number of large industrial companies. However, the aircraft's wooden construction, heavy wartime use, somewhat tricky handling and small capacity typically counted against their long term use. Many of the 'civil' conversions were bought by military users; and the Consul served as a VIP transport with the air forces of Britain, Canada and New Zealand, all of whom already operated Oxfords. During 1949, the Israeli Air Force purchased a number of civil Consuls and re-converted them to military trainers. They were used by 141 Squadron until 1957, a year after the Oxford was retired by the Royal Air Force. By 1960, there were at least nine Consuls known to be in operation worldwide. According to Taylor, it had a relatively good safety record, although the loss of five of the first ten Consuls was particularly unfortunant. Furthermore, the aircraft is believed to be Airspeed's only civil transport to achieve financial success. While several Oxfords survive, the Consul has not been so fortunate. G-AIKR, a former children's playground attraction, is owned by the Canada Aviation Museum; it is on loan to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum, where it is being returned to Oxford status. As of 2003, Consul VR-SCD was known to exist in Singapore, stored in pieces. Operators Civil operators The aircraft was used by companies, individuals and air charter companies and the following: Union of Burma Airways – four aircraft delivered in 1947 Loftleidir – one aircraft delivered in January 1951, fatal crash in April 1951 Airways (India) – two aircraft delivered in 1947 Aer Lingus – two aircraft delivered in 1947 El Al – one delivered in 1953 for crew