Our History

1936

In 1936, the British shipping company Hull, Blyth & Co Ltd of London began operations in Cyprus. The company was later established with the participation of local executives and, in 1960, was renamed Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd. In 1984, it became a fully local company as the British shareholders withdrew and all shares were acquired by Cypriot shareholders.

1940

By the late 1940s, significant potential had emerged in Cyprus for air travel and tourism. Recognizing this, the company successfully secured representation for several international airlines and tour operators.

1946

At the same time, IATA licenses were obtained, and Hull Blyth (Cyprus) Ltd proudly became the first IATA member in Cyprus, opening its Nicosia office on December 28, 1946.

1958

Driven by the dynamic development of air travel and tourism, the company played a founding role in the creation of Cyprus Airways—the national carrier of Cyprus—acting as General Sales Agent until 1958, when (under government direction) the airline began to operate independently.

1969

In the late 1960s, diversification into other sectors was deemed desirable. This was achieved in 1969 through a partnership with Geo Pavlides & Araouzos Ltd, a company founded as an import and distribution firm that held the General Motors franchise.

1974

Following the Turkish invasion in 1974, which resulted in the occupation of 40% of the island, the company and its partners suffered major losses, losing access to Famagusta and Kyrenia. However, Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd refused to succumb to the consequences of the invasion and instead led a recovery effort, recognizing the need to rely on its own resources to overcome the situation. The company secured more substantial shipping agency agreements to meet the demands of a more flexible international trade environment.

1975

With the opening of Larnaca Airport in 1975, a boom began in the travel and tourism sector. As a result, the Aviation Division was revitalized, and new service offices were established at the airport—a key location from which Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd could ensure faster and more efficient service. All maritime activity on the island also shifted to Limassol (Cyprus’ main port) and Larnaca.

1985

Further diversification occurred in the 1980s, this time into manufacturing, with the acquisition of 50% of the shares of Modelo Bakeries of Famagusta. The trade and distribution sector of consumer goods expanded with the establishment of Emporium Co Ltd in 1985, a wholly owned subsidiary. In early 1986, in collaboration with our partners at Modelo Bakeries, we founded Glycis & Araouzos (Insurance) Ltd, one of the first companies of its kind in Cyprus. As part of new strategic arrangements, in 1989 the company formed the subsidiary ARAOUZOS TRAVEL Ltd, whose main activities include airline representation and aircraft handling.

The company’s directors have all contributed greatly to Cyprus’ public life across various sectors, making a significant advancement in the transportation field. Today, the company continues to provide a wide range of services in the transportation of passengers and cargo by sea, air, and land.

1999

Following a successful accreditation evaluation by the Lloyd's Register of Quality Assurance, Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd was recommended for the issuance of the ISO 9002:1994 certification on November 23, 1999.

As we look ahead well into the second half of our century, we envision an even brighter future. Our confidence is built on our proven track record of success and our commitment to remain a highly diversified company, constantly improving and expanding our operations and services.