Britten-Norman has reached a significant stage in its effort to restore full Islander aircraft production to the UK, with the first aircraft from its reshored manufacturing line now 75% complete at the company’s Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight.
The aircraft, destined for the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS), will be the first Islander delivered from the new production line. Final assembly is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, a second aircraft has already reached almost 25% completion, while parts for additional aircraft are progressing through production.
The Bembridge line represents the return of complete civil Islander manufacturing to Britain. Previously, key assemblies were produced overseas before being shipped to the UK for final assembly. To support the reshoring programme, Britten-Norman has invested heavily in advanced CNC manufacturing equipment and expanded its workforce by more than 40%.
Since reaching the halfway stage earlier this year, the aircraft has moved rapidly through production. Major structural milestones include the joining of fuselage sub-assemblies and the fin, successful fuel tank testing, and completion of the 15-metre wing assembly, which has now been attached to the fuselage. The aircraft has since advanced along the production line, with installation of the landing gear, engines, flight controls and remaining onboard systems progressing steadily.
Richard Milne, Chief Operating Officer at Britten-Norman, described the achievement as a strong endorsement of the capabilities developed at the Bembridge site. He said the progress demonstrated the company’s ability to deliver new British-built Islanders and praised the commitment and workmanship of the production team.
Looking beyond the current programme, Britten-Norman has secured letters of intent from operators in both regional passenger transport and special-mission markets. The company is also strengthening aftermarket support and parts availability for the global fleet of Islanders already in service.
With one aircraft nearing completion, a second advancing through production and future airframes already in manufacture, Britten-Norman is building momentum towards a sustained UK production rhythm and remains on course to deliver the first newly built British Islander to its customer as planned.
