1.
SV Trident Two taxiing on runway (2 shots)
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2.
LV Aircraft taking off over camera
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AIR TO AIR Trident in flight (3 shots)
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GV PAN INTERIOR Trident production line (3 shots)
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Initials OS/2304/2325



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: British aircraft manufacturers Hawker Siddeley announced today (24 August) that they had signed a contract to supply six Trident 2E airliners to the People's Republic of China. The contract is worth 20 million sterling (48 million dollars) and delivery will be spread over the next two years.

The order comes at a time of improved relations between Peking and London. The announcement coincided with a visit to Britain of 12 Chinese telecommunications experts, just four months after the resumption of direct telephone links between the two countries by high-frequency radion.

The film shows the aircraft flying in the livery of British European Airways, Hawker Siddeley's largest customer for the Trident. It also shows Tridents being built at the company's Hatfield works, north of London.

SYNOPSIS: The Chinese People's Republic has contracted to buy six Trident 2E airliners from the British firm of Hawker Siddeley. Delivery will be spread over two years, and the order, including spares, is worth 20 million pounds sterling. Negotiations for the deal have been going on for six months. The Chinese already have experienced of flying the aircraft -- they bought four second-hand Tridents from Pakistan International Airlines several months ago.

The Trident 2E is the fastest airliner in current production, flying close to the speed of sound. It can carry up to 140 passengers at a range up to 2,400 miles (4,000 km.). From a Chinese point of view, it would be suitable for flying from Shanghai to East Africa by way of Karachi. Peking is also thought to be planning to increase its domestic services, and Hawker Siddeley hope to will orders for the larger, short-haul version, the Trident 38.

The Trident order comes at a time of improved relations between Peking and London. Direct telephone links were reopened four months ago after a 22-year break, and Chinese telecommunications experts are currently visiting Britain.