Launched by the privately owned Hawker Siddeley in 1973, the 146 was shelved the following year and only kept 'ticking over' through the vigorous efforts of politicians and the workforce. In 1978 the newly nationalised British Aerospace re-launched the aircraft as the BAe 146, which flew three years later. The aircraft gradually made headway in the market as its quietness and superior airfield performance were recognised. To fulfill customer demand, British Aerospace developed lengthened versions and further improved and rebranded the aircraft as the Avro RJ in 1992. A later development, the Avro RJX flew in 2001 but after the events of 11 September 2001, BAE Systems decided to withdraw from civil airliner manufacture and production ended. With 390 deliveries, the BAe 146/Avro RJ has become both Britain's most successful jet airliner and its last airliner. Through careful research and interviews with those who worked on the aircraft and using over 140 photographs, Stephen Skinner examines in detail the development, testing, production and service of Britain's last airliner.