British Civil Aviation in 1983

27 January
British Aerospace (BAe) delivers the first Sea Harrier FRS51s to the Indian Navy.

9 February
British Airways introduces the Boeing 757 medium-range airliner into its fleet. The aircraft will operate on the British Airways Heathrow to Belfast route.

17 February
The British Aerospace (BAe) 146 achieves Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification.

17 February
Martin-Baker ejector seats save their 5,000th person, when an Italian Air Force pilot ejects from his Aeritalia F104S Starfighter.

27 February
The British government announces plans to build a new airport on the Falkland Islands, which will be able to accept large transport aircraft.

9 April
Wing Commander R.H. McIntosh, known as ‘All-Weather Mac’, dies aged 88. His flying career spanned 54 years between 1917 and 1971.

26 April
Henry Kremer gives £20,000 to the Royal Aeronautical Society to promote the development of a man-powered aircraft capable of flying a mile in under 3 minutes.

26 May
British Aerospace (BAe) launches the BAe125 Series 800 executive jet, which is capable of flying coast-to-coast across the USA.

17 August
Rolls-Royce begin flight testing the new RB211-534E4 turbofan engine, which is destined for use in the Boeing 757.

11 October
British Caledonian orders seven Airbus Industries A320 advanced technology airliners.