SILA - Svensk Interkontinental Lufttrafik AB
(Swedish Intercontinental Air Traffic)

SILA was founded by Swedish businessmen 1943. Already in November 1943 10 Douglas DC-4 were ordered, to be delivered after the ongoing war. In reality three aircrafts were delivered 1946 to SILA, 3 aircrafts to ABA, 2 aircrafts to DDL and 2 to DNL.

The intention when SILA was created was to start routes to primarily North America which was seen vital for Swedish industry.
But since also Denmark and Norway saw this as extremely important talks started directly after the war on how to coordinate the oversea traffic of ABA/SILA, DDL and DNL. The result was the creation of SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System) August 1st 1946, or rather the Overseas SAS (OSAS). Discussions continued later on how to coordinate also the European traffic (ESAS) which led to an agreement in 1948 which basically led to that all ABA/SILA, DDL and DNL aircrafts were repainted in a SAS colour acheme with the "dragon line" and viking name.

Besides the DC-4 traffic, SILA started already 1945 North American traffic using ex military Boeing B-17 aircrafts. First official flight from Stockholm/Bromma was made June 27 1945, return flight on July 5 (Boeing B-17 SE-BAK "Jim"). The Boeing B-17 used were converted from military to civilian standard by SAAB in Sweden.

The North American traffic with the SILA DC-4 aircrafts was conducted 1946-1948.
July 1st 1948, SILA and ABA merged. After this date, it was ABA (AB Aerotransport) that was SAS Swedish "Mother" company (DDL and DNL held Denmark's and Norway's corresponding role in SAS).

Below, postcards from my collection are shown per aircraft type:

Douglas DC-4

Number of postcards: 2