Avro Returns

1990s

A worldwide economic downturn in the early 1990s resulted in the end of BAE 146 production at Hatfield. To maintain the company's position in the regional aircraft market a 50/50 Joint Venture (JV) with the Taiwan Aerospace Corporation was discussed. A successful JV would develop the 146 with manufacture at Woodford and also in Taiwan. However JV negotiations fell through in 1993 and British Aerospace continued development of the 146 on its own.

To do this the company ensured Woodford was wholly focussed on Regional Jets and so the manufacture of the Nose Assembly was moved to Woodford from Hatfield. ATP production was moved to the British Aerospace factory at Prestwick in Scotland. It was remarketed as the Jetstream 61 alongside the other turbo props Jetstream 31 and 41.

Reviving an iconic name from the past, the Regional Jet business at Woodford was named Avro International. Four variants of regional jet were developed with improved passenger comfort and greater engine efficiency and a fully digital cockpit to ease pilot workload. These were designated the RJ70, RJ85, RJ100 and RJ115 however, the high seating density RJ115 did not sell and none were built. The first development of the RJ series was an RJ85 in March 1992. Sales to major airlines such as Crossair, Sabena and Lufthansa were successfully completed.

Woodford continued to be the home of the flight test centre for all British Aerospace commercial aircraft programs with aircraft including the BAe 125-1000 and Jetstream 41 being tested prior to achieving certification.

(Colour Photograph Left) - 125-1000 Certification - Copyright BAE SYSTEMS

In 1995 an agreement with the Franco-Italian Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) was signed to create a consortium named Aero International (Regional) (AI(R)), to be based at Toulouse. AI(R) would be responsible for Marketing, Sales and Support of BAe and ATR commercial aircraft.

Avro continued to build the regional jet family at Woodford but marketed under the AI(R) branding. AI(R) was disbanded in mid-1998 and the Avro RJ range reverted back to British Aerospace.

(Colour Photograph Right) - Avro International RJ Family - Copyright BAE SYSTEMS