• Swindon & Wiltshire Manufacturing
• Wednesday October 28 2026

Filton crowned world’s longest-running aircraft factory

Filton has officially entered the record books as the world’s longest continuously operating site for aircraft design and manufacturing — a distinction spanning 115 years, from the earliest days of powered flight to today’s Airbus programme.

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has named the Filton Site and Airfield a Historic Aerospace Site, unveiling a commemorative plaque at Aerospace Bristol.

The plaque recognises Filton’s extraordinary contribution to aviation since 1910, when the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company was established there.

Over more than a century, the site has produced pioneering early aircraft, including the Bristol Boxkite and Bristol Scout, before becoming synonymous with legendary designs such as the Bristol Bulldog, Blenheim and Britannia.

It later played a central role in the development of Concorde — and remains at the cutting edge of aerospace engineering through Airbus’s ongoing work in Filton.

Sally Cordwell, CEO of Aerospace Bristol, said: “We’re delighted that the world’s largest aerospace society is shining a light on Filton’s extraordinary place in aviation history, alongside the generations of people whose skills and ambitions have made it what it is today.

“Filton’s story stretches from the earliest days of powered flight to the booming aerospace industry continuing to innovate here now. We are truly proud that Aerospace Bristol can play its part and help people to discover and connect with this heritage, celebrating the people and achievements behind it.”

The AIAA’s Historic Aerospace Sites programme honours locations worldwide linked to major aerospace achievements, programmes and individuals. Filton’s nomination was made by Professor Jonathan Cooper, the Airbus Sir George White Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol.

Professor Cooper said: “What makes Filton particularly interesting is not just the aircraft that have come out of it, but the continuity of innovation for over a century.

“The same site that produced some of the earliest known aircraft in Britain, went on to play a role in the development of Concorde and still shapes the future of aviation today.

“That is a rare legacy in aerospace, and this recognition is a chance to celebrate generations of designers, engineers and skilled people whose work has kept Filton firmly at the forefront of the industry.”

The plaque unveiling was followed by a talk on Filton’s history from Sir Iain Gray, chair of Aerospace Bristol’s board, drawing together figures from across the aerospace community.

Aerospace Bristol tells the story of more than 100 years of aviation innovation, with Concorde Alpha Foxtrot — the final Concorde ever built — on display at the museum.