prospections for the development of aviation in the british west african territory trace as back as 1944 when, following world war ii, lord swinton ordered the first studies. the british ministry of civil aviation supported the "sanford committee", which was established to that particular end, and both entities recommended the formation of the "west african air transport authority". the order-in-council enacting the formation of the west african air transport authority (ata) was signed by king george vi on .