Uraba, Medellin and Central Airways (UMCA)  Sikorsky S-38B NC943M       (c/n 314-1)

                                     

                                        UMCA (Uraba, Medellin and Central Airways)  was the brain child of Don Gonzalo Mejia and
                                        was incorporated in Delaware in 1931.   Gonzalo's vision was for a South American route from                  
                                        Panama to Buenos Aires, passing, of course, through his home town of Medillin.   He acquired
                                        a Columbian Government conession for a rioute from Medelin to Turbo on the Gulf of Uraba,
                                        hence the airline's name.  In the event, the airline never possessed any aircraft, or employees
                                        for that matter, and all services were undertaken by Pan American..       This phoney airline
                                        permitted Pan American to make a connection with Columbia through Medellin.   Initially
                                        Pan Am held 54% of the stock, but by 1947 this had grown to 100% and UMCA as such
                                        was finally dissolved in 1961.   The (very ugly) S-38 seen above in this shot from Aviaca was
                                        built for the NYRBA line in 1929 and sold to Pan American in 1934 for use on the UMCA
                                        routes.   Below is an enlargment showing the airline name.