Directorate

BRITISH AEROSPACE PLC
9 September 1999



RICHARD LAPTHORNE RETIRES FROM THE BOARD OF BRITISH AEROSPACE

British Aerospace today announces the retirement of Richard Lapthorne from the
Board of the Company with effect from 1st October, 1999.

Richard joined British Aerospace as Finance Director in July 1992 and in April
1998 was appointed Vice Chairman.  At that time Richards contract was amended
to recognise the change in his executive responsibilities and to a reduction
in time commitments with the Company.  It was anticipated that on completion
of that amended contract Richard would retire from the Company.

During his seven years with the Company Richard has been a pivotal part of a
management team that has shaped British Aerospace to become one of the Worlds
leading aerospace and defence companies.

Commenting on Richards retirement from the Board of British Aerospace Sir
Richard Evans, Chairman, said:- Richard played a very major part in the
recovery of British Aerospace to the strong position it holds today.

In preparation for his retirement, Richard has accepted a number of
non-executive directorships and he is on the Trustee Board of several
charities.

Earlier this year, he was appointed Chairman of Nycomed Amersham and is
Chairman of Morse plc.  In addition Richard is a non-executive Director of
Orange plc, Robert Fleming Holdings Limited and Oasis International Leasing in
Abu Dhabi.  He is a member of the Industrial Development Advisory Board, a
Trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew where he is also Chairman of its
Foundation and Friends, a member of the Cancer Research Campaign Advisory
Board and a member of Council of CALIBRE a charity which provides cassette
tapes to the reading disabled.


Issued by:-
Corporate Communications
British Aerospace plc