Novair International Airways was formed on 7 December 1988 following the sole acquisition of Cal Air International by the Rank Organisation.

Perhaps the main reason for this new name was the acquisition of British Caledonian by their main competitor British Airways. BA’s aim was to form a new charter subsidiary under the name of Caledonian Airways (1988). Concerns were raised between the names ‘Caledonian Airways’ and ‘Cal Air’ (essentially an abbreviation of the competition!).

Novair International offered charter flights to the popular [[Mediterranean], North African & Canary Islands as well as long haul services to Orlando & Fort Lauderdale Florida North America & Banjul West Africa. However the airline was always fighting against decreasing passenger numbers in addition to the Rank organisation losing interest in its travel/aviation subsidiaries. With the failure to find a suitable buyer, Novair International Airways ceased operations on March 31, 1990. The airline was finally wound up on 5 May 1990.