Society of British Aircraft Constructors

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The Society of British Aerospace Companies, known as SBAC is the UK's national trade association representing companies supplying civil air transport, aerospace defence, homeland security and space. With its regional partners, SBAC represents over 2,600 companies, assisting them in developing new business globally, facilitating innovation and competitiveness and providing regulatory services in technical standards and accreditation.

[edit] History

On 29 March 1915 a number of British aircraft manufacturers and industrialists met to arrange a standards body and production pooling system known as the Society of British Aircraft Constructors. Notable among the aircraft participants were Herbert Austin, Frederick Handley Page, H.V. Roe of Avro, and E.B. Parker of Short Brothers. The group agreed to share their designs among a variety of 3rd party factories in order to be able to quickly produce new designs on demand. These factories joined ones being run by the government directly. In total over 40 company joined the group when it officially formed on 23 March 1916.

In the post-war era the group expanded to include almost every aircraft company and those related to it -- engine manufacturers, metal alloy companies, etc. Since this period they have often been referred to by acronym, SBAC. They were also instrumental in approaching Lloyd's of London to start the inspection and insurance of aircraft, which led to increased commercial aviation.

In 1932 the group hosted an air show and trade fair at the Hendon airfield in London. In 1948 the meeting was moved to become the Farnborough Air Show, switching bi-annually with the Paris Air Show.