America’s Fastest Airliner Was Ruined by Its Buyer

In 1970, Britain’s oldest aircraft manufacturer finally closed its doors. This is the story of the Handley Page legacy. Founded in 1909, Handley Page was a cornerstone of aviation history, building the first British heavy bombers of the First World War and the iconic Halifax. By the time the factory gates locked for the last time, the company had left an indelible mark on the industry, yet it remained stubbornly independent. The decline followed a series of commercial missteps during the race to replace the DC-3, where the firm bet on piston engines while competitors moved to turboprops. When the government demanded that all major British aircraft makers merge to secure contracts, Frederick Handley Page stood alone in his refusal. The firm became the only major manufacturer to simply cease existing rather than join the state-backed consolidation. Subscribe for weekly breakdowns of aviation stories, and let us know in the comments which manufacturer you would like to see covered next. 0:00 The Fall of a British Aviation Icon 2:06 The Man Behind the Machine 4:13 The Fatal Engine Decision 11:25 Westminster's Push for Consolidation 16:19 The Jetstream's Final Gamble 19:02 Success After the Collapse