Fairey initially depended on manufacturing aircraft designed by other firms, including Felixstowe F.3 flying boats and other contracted types. This work built production experience before the company had established a design record of its own. By summer 1930 it operated an aerodrome at Harmondsworth, on ground later absorbed into Heathrow Airport. Subcontracting supplied the practical industrial base from which Fairey could offer its own designs.
Chapter · 6:11-7:26
Subcontract work builds Fairey's early industrial base
Fairey first grows by manufacturing other firms' designs, including flying boats, before establishing its own aerodrome.