Airco

Airco was an early British aviation company, generally understood as the Aircraft Manufacturing Company. Founded by George Holt Thomas in 1912, it was involved in the design and manufacture of aircraft and aero engines. During the First World War, Airco worked with designer Geoffrey de Havilland and his team and produced aircraft including the DH.4, DH.9 and DH.10 for reconnaissance, bombing and training roles. After the war, the sharp decline in military demand weakened the company, and it was sold to the Birmingham Small Arms Company around 1920. Airco's original aircraft business did not continue as a long-lived brand, although some of its personnel, technology and operations influenced later British aviation companies, including de Havilland Aircraft. Because “Airco” can also refer to other air-conditioning or industrial businesses, this entry treats it as the British early aircraft manufacturer based on the supplied aerospace-OEM classification.

Airco was founded in 1912 by George Holt Thomas and became one of Britain's early specialist aircraft manufacturers. It operated aircraft production activities in Hendon, London, and developed an important relationship with aircraft designer Geoffrey de Havilland and his team. During the First World War, growing military demand helped Airco expand production and become a significant participant in Britain's aircraft industry. The DH.4 was used mainly for reconnaissance and light bombing, while the DH.9 followed from wartime requirements and the DH.10 Amiens represented the company's work on twin-engined bombers. Airco also produced aero engines and consequently maintained a relatively broad aviation manufacturing operation. After the war ended in 1918, military orders fell sharply, creating substantial operational and financial pressure. Around 1920, Airco was sold to the Birmingham Small Arms Company, but the integration did not result in Airco continuing as a major independent aircraft brand. Some of its engineers and technical resources later contributed to the development of other British aviation businesses, giving Airco an important transitional role in British aviation history.

• 1920

  Sold to Birmingham Small Arms Company

  Airco was sold to Birmingham Small Arms Company, and its original aircraft manufacturing business did not continue long term under the Airco brand.

• 1918

  End of World War I and falling military demand

  After the war ended, orders for military aircraft fell sharply, and Airco subsequently came under business pressure.

• 1912

  Company founded

  George Holt Thomas founded Airco, and the company began operations in British aircraft manufacturing and aviation.

A British aircraft and aviation-industry manufacturer of the World War I era

• Airco DH.4

  The DH.4 was a two-seat aircraft produced by Airco during the First World War, primarily for reconnaissance and light bombing. It was one of the company's most representative aircraft and reflected Airco's collaboration with Geoffrey de Havilland's design team.

• Airco DH.9

  The DH.9 was a later military aircraft in the DH series, used for reconnaissance and bombing missions. It was operated by several air forces during the later part of the First World War and the early postwar period and formed an important part of Airco's military production.

• Airco DH.10 Amiens

  The DH.10 Amiens was a twin-engined bomber developed by Airco for Britain's wartime requirement for longer-range bombing aircraft. The programme showed the company's move from single-engined reconnaissance and light-bomber designs toward larger twin-engined aircraft.

• Unconfirmed

  Reported2026.11.02

  Airco opens production site for fuel modules[1]Airco启用燃料模块生产基地cen.acs.org

  Airco cut the ribbon on a production facility in New Britain, Pennsylvania, where it will manufacture modular reactors that convert carbon dioxide, energy, and water into jet fuel and other fuel-range hydrocarbons.

• 2019.11.07

  Reported2019.11.09

  Air Co. releases vodka made from carbon dioxide[2]Air Co. 发布以二氧化碳制成的伏特加observer.com

  Air Co. released its vodka, which the company describes as carbon-negative and made using carbon dioxide and water. The article reports the release occurred on Thursday.

  Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.

Read more

1. 1Airco启用燃料模块生产基地cen.acs.org
2. 2Air Co. 发布以二氧化碳制成的伏特加observer.com