From British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) and into BAE Systems (BAe), as one of BAe’s senior lawyers, Philip Riley FRAeS was well positioned to witness the people, the projects and the issues that shaped the British aircraft industry from the mid-1960s to the early years of the present century, living and breathing the roller coaster of amalgamations, nationalisations, mergers and privatisations that characterised the industry during those years.

Philip relished the opportunity to travel the world negotiating contracts and financial packages supporting the sale of aircraft such as the BAC One Eleven whilst working with some of the big names in aviation. During his early years at BAC, he decided to pursue a legal qualification - an ambitious move that ultimately led him to become a member of the company’s Legal Department as an in-house Solicitor. In that role he was involved in major contract negotiations, acquisitions and mergers including the privatisation of BAe, collaboration with Airbus partners and the amalgamation with GEC Marconi in 2000. In this conversation, Philip shares stories about the people he worked with and the challenges that the company faced.

After retiring from BAE Systems, Philip remained passionate about aviation. He became the secretary of the Farnborough Aerodrome Consultative Committee (formed by TAG, the operator of the airport) and subsequently became Chairman of that Committee.

His enthusiasm for aviation heritage led him to play a role in safeguarding heritage within BAe and ensuring that BAe’s rich heritage was preserved and protected for future generations.

As a founding member and the first Chairman of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Farnborough Branch, Philip has made lasting contributions to the Society. He has also served as Treasurer and a member of the Society’s Council, and was involved in the re-location of the Society’s library to Farnborough (from its London HQ) and in the establishment of the National Aerospace Library at Farnborough. Philip reflects on the town’s rich contribution to the UK’s aviation heritage and its continued importance in the field.

Philip continues to be to be active in the community, currently supporting RAF Odiham in commemorating its centenary and participating in the aviation section of his local U3A branch.

Philip Riley FRAeS talked with Julian Temple, Heritage Archivist for BAE Systems Heritage, on 30 September 2024. The podcast was edited by Eur Ing Mike Stanberry FRAeS and is published by kind permission of BAE Systems for the Royal Aeronautical Society/National Aerospace Library’s oral history project ‘If I only didn’t do it that way…….” Capturing history from the horse’s mouth to inspire today’s aeronautical professionals.

A transcript of the interview recording is available on the National Library's Catalogue: https://raes.soutron.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/4182317