The Avro 748's first flight was on 24 June 1960 with the first production aircraft being delivered in April 1962. Consequently, and with its ability to haul payloads of over 10,000 lbs in and out of short, rough airfields with little to no ground service equipment, the HS.748 quickly became popular with airlines operating in remote areas. Other features included an internal engine starting system, and systems and structures which were designed to be easy to inspect and repair in the field with limited equipment. Avro concentrated on performance, with a rugged design and better short field performance, allowing it to operate from smaller airports and those with rough surfaces. Originally designed in 1958 by Avro as the Avro 748, it was seen as a replacement for the aging Douglas DC-3s, then in widespread service as feeder liners. The Hawker Siddeley HS.748 is a medium sized, low wing, turboprop airliner with a capacity for 40 to 58 passengers.
