Britten-Norman has reached another landmark in the return of aircraft manufacturing to the Isle of Wight, with the first UK-built Islander in almost 60 years rolling out of the production hall at its Bembridge headquarters.
The privately owned British aircraft manufacturer shared the milestone on its Facebook page, revealing that aircraft 2317 has now had electrical power applied and is sitting on the apron outside the production facility.
The company said the aircraft has now been fitted with its engines, propellers, cowlings, electrical systems, brakes and flight controls, with final preparations for ground testing now getting underway.
Describing the occasion as a “proud day for the team, and for UK aerospace”, Britten-Norman said:
“There’s a new Islander sitting on the apron at Bembridge this afternoon, and it’s the first one built here in almost six decades.
“Aircraft 2317 has had electrical power applied and has rolled out of the production hall. Engines, propellers, cowlings, electrical systems, brakes and flight controls are all in. Final preparation for ground testing starts now.
“Proud day for the team, and for UK aerospace.”
The latest milestone follows significant progress announced in June, when Britten-Norman confirmed the aircraft had reached 75% completion.
At that stage, the 15-metre wing assembly had been attached to the fuselage, fuel tank testing had been completed, and installation of the undercarriage, engines, flight control surfaces and remaining systems was well underway.
The aircraft is the first to be produced through Britten-Norman’s fully reshored UK production line at Bembridge and is destined for the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS).
A second airframe is also progressing along the production line, with components for future aircraft already in manufacture.
The return of full civil Islander production to Bembridge marks a major milestone for the company, which has invested in new CNC equipment and expanded its workforce by more than 40% as part of its reshoring programme.
Britten-Norman, headquartered in Bembridge, is the UK’s only independent commercial aircraft manufacturer and aviation services provider, with its iconic Islander aircraft being sold to customers in more than 120 countries and is renowned for its ability to operate from short and remote airstrips around the world.
