British Civil Aviation in 1998

30 January
British Airways launches the low-fare airline Go.

19 March
At the age of 82, Wing Commander Ken Wallis sets a new world record time for reaching an altitude of 3,000 metres (9,842 feet) in an autogyro. He sets a time of 7 minutes 20 seconds in his WA12.

30 April
British Aerospace (BAe) announces it is taking a 35% share in Saab.

25 August
188 Airbus A320 airliners are ordered by British Airways.

28 September
Panavia Tornado production ends. British Aerospace (BAe) at Warton completes the 992nd aircraft for the Royal Saudi Air Force and switch to upgrading Tornados that are already in service with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

3 November
British Airways takes delivery of its 50th Boeing 747-400.

18 November
British Aerospace (BAe) wins an order from the South African Air Force for 24 Hawk trainers and GKN Westland wins another order to supply four GKN Westland Super Lynx 300 helicopters for the South African Navy. Saab/BAe is also to supply South Africa with 28 Gripen fighters.