The
Jetstream was originally developed by Handley Page beginning
in 1966. The prototype first flew in 1967.
By the end of 1969 cost overruns had driven this
venerable aviation company to voluntary liquidation. Jetstream
production rights eventually went to Scottish Aviation which became
part of British Aerospace (BAe) in 1978.
Under BAe the Jetstream flourished with the
introduction of the 19-seat Jetstream 31 in 1982. A 29-seat
Jetstream 41 was introduced in 1991. Jetstreams 51 and 71 were
announced but slipping sales led to the end of Jetstream production
in 1997.