IATA 146

BAe 146

BAe

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Quiet four-engine regional jet built for short runways.

First flight

1981

Category

Regional jet

Seating

70–112 passengers depending on variant

Range

~2,900 km

Engines

Four Avco Lycoming ALF 502 turbofans

Status

In service (limited)

The BAe 146 is a short-haul regional jet developed by British Aerospace, entering service in 1983. Designed for operations from short and noise-sensitive airfields, its four turbofan engines are mounted high on the wing to allow a low fuselage for easy ground access without jetways. The aircraft was produced in three main passenger variants — the 146-100, 146-200, and 146-300 — offering increasing fuselage lengths and passenger capacities. A freighter derivative, the Quiet Trader, was also produced. The design was later evolved into the Avro RJ series. The 146 earned a reputation as one of the quietest jet airliners of its era, enabling operations at airports with strict noise curfews such as London City. Over 220 aircraft were built before production shifted to the updated Avro RJ family in the 1990s.

Notable operators

Air Wisconsin, Ansett Australia, Crossair, TNT Airways, and various regional carriers operated the BAe 146.

Notable facts

›One of the quietest commercial jets of its generation, enabling operations at noise-restricted airports.
›Used by the RAF's No. 32 Squadron as a VIP and royal transport aircraft.
›The high-wing, low-floor design allows boarding without jet bridges or airstairs at many airports.
›Preceded the updated Avro RJ70/RJ85/RJ100 series, which used more modern BMW/Rolls-Royce BR715 engines.
›Total production of the BAe 146 and Avro RJ families combined exceeded 390 aircraft.

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This profile is provided for general information only. Specifications may be inaccurate or vary by variant/operator — verify with the manufacturer before relying on them.

Encyclopaedia

The British Aerospace 146 is a short-haul and regional airliner that was manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace, later part of BAE Systems. Production ran from 1983 until 2001. Production figures include the Avro RJ, an improved version from Avro International Aerospace, a subsidiary of BAE Systems. Production for the Avro RJ version began in 1992. The Avro RJX, a further-improved version with new engines, was announced in 1997, but only two prototypes and one production aircraft were built before all production ceased in 2001. With 387 aircraft produced, the Avro RJ/BAe 146 is the most successful British civil jet airliner programme.

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