Born in Tasmania, Ivan enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1914 and served with distinction during the First World War. He was wounded four times, mentioned in dispatches, and awarded the Military Cross for gallantry near Jeancourt, France, in September 1918.

In 1932, Ivan and his brother Victor founded Holyman Airways, operating a de Havilland DH83 Fox Moth between Launceston and Flinders Island. Following Victor’s tragic disappearance in a 1934 accident, Ivan expanded the airline, merging it with Adelaide Airways in 1936 to form Australian National Airways (ANA). As Managing Director, Holyman transformed the airline into a major domestic carrier, known for its modern fleet and extensive network.

Ivan is credited with the introduction in Australia of air hostesses (a term used early last century, contemporarily known today as flight attendants), free in-flight meals and the automatic insurance of passengers!

Holyman was also involved in various business ventures and was a prominent figure in Tasmania’s economic development, passing away on 18 January 1957. His legacy endures in the aviation industry and in the Holyman family’s contributions to Tasmania’s maritime and aviation heritage.