Sikorsky-Vought VS-44Sikorsky S 44 flying boat airplane model. The prototype for the VS 44 was first flown on August 13th, 1937. American Export Airlines ordered three for a planned transatlantic route to the UK and France, although there were delays in obtaining CAB approval. On January 12th, 1942, the US Navy gave American Export Airlines a contract to operate a wartime route across the Atlantic. The airline's temporary civil certificate, to cover a non stop New York to