The BAE 146 is a medium-sized commercial aircraft which was manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace. Production ran from 1983 until 2002. Manufacture of the improved version known as the Avro RJ began in 1992. A further-improved version, the Avro RJX – with new engines – was announced in 1997, but only two prototypes and one production aircraft were built before production ceased in late 2001. With 387 aircraft produced, the Avro RJ/BAE 146 program is the second most successful British civil jet to date.

The BAE 146/Avro RJ carries its four turbofan jet engines on a high wing above the fuselage (not below, or at mid-fuselage, as on most conventional civilian aircraft) and has a T-tail. The aircraft has STOL capabilities and very quiet operation; it has been marketed under the name Whisperjet. It sees wide usage at small city-based airports. In its primary role it serves as a regional jet, short-haul airliner or regional airliner. The BAE 146/Avro RJ is in wide use among European airlines, such as Brussels Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines and Lufthansa.