The company was founded by Hilda Hewlett and Gustav Blondeau in 1914. Hilda Hewlett was the first British woman to receive a pilot’s licence. The company was situated at Leagrave in Luton and employed. over 700 people. The company produced over 800 aircraft during its six years of operations which included the AVRO 504 which was fitted with Gnome rotary engine. These engines were constructed in Billet Road Walthamstow under licence at Peter Hookers. The company also produced rotary engines.
