 On the formation of Britain's first national airline, Imperial Airways, on 31 March 1924, Croydon became the new airline's operating base.Imperial Airways was the British Government's chosen instrument to develop connections with the U.K.'s extensive overseas interests.It was therefore from Croydon that Britain first developed its European and longhaul routes to India, Africa, the Middle and Far East, Asia, Africa and Australia (in conjunction with Qantas).