His next job was as an analytical chemist, working on boiler-feed and fuel problems at Municipal Borough of Finchley power station.

In 1911 Fairey aged 24 became General manager with the Blair Atholl Syndicate Ltd., a company formed to develop the tailless aircraft designed by J. W. Dunne, at Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey.

Known as the Great West Aerodrome, it was later compulsorily purchased by the Crown during World War II, and today forms the south-eastern part of Heathrow Airport, London.

During the forty years he led his business, Fairey was involved with the development of many of his companies' most important products, including aircraft, rotorcraft, marine craft, mechanical engineering and rocketry.

He remained in charge of his company until his death in a London nursing home early on 30 September 1956, after suffering from a heart condition for several years.