Squadron Leader Hugh Kennard DFC left the RAF in 1946, and became a director of Silver City Airways, as well as setting up his own company, officially named Air Kruise (Kent) Ltd. Air Kruise's first aircraft was a Miles Messenger 2A, the first civil example of the model to be produced after World War II, which was delivered to Kennard's base at Lympne Airport, Kent, in August 1946.

Silver City, who were by far the major users of the airport with their Bristol Freighter car ferry service, therefore decided to build their own airfield at Lydd.

[6] On 1 May 1954 Air Kruise had been taken over by British Aviation Services (BAS), trading as Britavia, who owned Silver City Airlines.

[2] A notable charter operation by Air Kruise during this period was the first ever licensed Inclusive Tour (IT) flight from Manchester Airport.

[8] In September 1955 Air Kruise placed a provisional order for six Handley Page HPR3 Heralds (powered by four Alvis Leonides Major piston engines).

This appears to have been an unsuccessful venture, as the aircraft was returned to the British register on 1 July the same year[10] On 28 October 1957 the Air Kruise operation officially joined the Silver City fleet.

Wing Commander Kennard (he had been promoted when he joined the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in 1949) became Silver City's deputy managing director.