From Nationalisation to Privatisation

1980s

The newly elected Government of 1979 decided to privatise the Company. Now named "British Aerospace Public Limited Company", between 1981 and 1985 all shares except one were sold to private investors. The one share called the golden share was held by the Government which allowed it to veto foreign control of the board or company. Once again Woodford and Chadderton had a new name over the gate. The 748 was no longer selling as well as in earlier decades despite attempts to find new uses such as a maritime patrol version called Coastguarder. Following market studies it was concluded that there was a need for a more fuel efficient and quieter aircraft with an increased seating capacity.

The 748 successor was named the Advanced Turbo Prop (ATP). The project was announced on 2nd March 1984, which was the same day Airbus launched the A320. A target was set for the ATP 1st Flight at 10am on 6th August 1986 by the Manchester Managing Director (now Sir) Charles Masefield.

On a wet and windy 6th August the ATP made the 10am target. For Chadderton the ATP and Airbus A320 announcements was doubly good news with production work set well for the future.

(Colour Photograph Bottom Left) - Nimrod Mk3 AEW Copyright

(Colour Photograph Top Right) - BAE Systems ATP Production in Progress at Woodford. Copyright BAE Systems

New military work came to Woodford in the guise of an update to the RAF Buccaneers, this required the addition in 1985 of arrestor wires fitted to the runway, similar to those used on Aircraft Carriers. They were to stop the aircraft in an emergency landing. The Nimrod Mk3 AEW manufacturing programme was completed on time however the project ran in to difficulties which resulted in the radar not performing as required for the RAF. Costing upward of £1 Billion, the project was cancelled in December 1986 and the Nimrod Mk 3 later replaced by the Boeing E3D Sentry.

Elsewhere in 1986, British Aerospace decided to close the former Vickers site at Weybridge. The Manchestersites then became responsible for providing Design and Spares & Repairs support for a whole host of ex Vickersaircraft including the VC10 which was the mainstay of the RAF Tanker & Transport fleet.

The BAe 146 was in full production with final assembly at Hatfield near London. To meet the order book a newproduction line opened at Woodford in 1988 for 146 final assembly.