In an industry first, Britten-Norman – manufacturers of the iconic Islander aircraft which was made on the Isle of Wight – and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions have signed an agreement to merge and create the world’s first fully integrated, zero-emissions sub-regional aircraft for entry into service in 2026, with plans for a site on the Isle of Wight.
The merger is due to complete in mid-2023, subject to final due diligence. In a funding round led by HydrogenOne Capital Growth Plc, a consortium of CAeS investors comprising HydrogenOne, Safran Corporate Ventures and the UAE-based investment firm Strategic Development Fund will invest up to £10million in the new company, including up to £5million investment from HydrogenOne once the merger is finalised.
Cranfield University and Motus Ventures will continue to retain shares in the new business. Britten-Norman’s existing owners, including lead investor Alawi Zawawi, will also join the new business. The investment will anchor further funding that is currently being raised to support the growth of the merged entity.
The new entity is responding to the growing demand from airlines and operators for an OEM-backed aircraft that will enable their move to zero-emissions operations. By combining CAeS’s pioneering development of a hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system with the existing and proven Britten-Norman aircraft technology, a clear and unambiguous route to market has been created with certification for passenger-carrying service planned for 2026.
The Britten-Norman Islander, a 9-seat regional aircraft widely used by operators around the world for inter-island services and short hop operations, is in high demand for its proven ability to operate from smaller airports and short airstrips in all weather conditions, often providing vital lifelines for remote communities. As previously reported by Island Echo, the iconic Islander became the best-selling British multi-engine commercial aircraft in history in 1974.
Britten-Norman already retains a base at its ancestral home in Bembridge and this new merger promises to employ about 220 people on the Island and across 6 other proposed sites.
The company’s ambition extends beyond the Islander and the sub-regional market, with the intention to design and manufacture new ‘clean sheet’ aircraft up to 100 seats powered using zero carbon technology.
William Hynett, Chief Executive of Britten-Norman added:
“The merging of Britten-Norman and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions will create a new market leader in green aircraft manufacturing, bringing together joint strengths in aerospace manufacturing, certification and innovation. The investment will give a huge boost to UK aviation exports and will deliver the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sub-regional aircraft powered by Hydrogen. This merger will create many new high tech and manufacturing roles across the new business and a host of opportunities for apprenticeships and graduate placements in the sustainable aerospace sector.”
What we need to see is Britten Norman return to the Island and operate once again from their home airfield at Bembridge. An amazing aircraft that really put the Isle of Wight on the international map but then fell foul of petty politics and the like. Come home B-N!!
That really would be good news, B-N still have a base here, so it could be possible. I worked on some of the projects and fittings when they were built here back in the 70s. keeping fingers crossed for them and wish them all the best.
Excellent news, keeping up the Island’s tradition of innovation.
Forget electric cars as away forward, Toyota have now stopped the development of electric cars. Hydrogen power is going to be then next move in the right direction.
Were they testing yesterday afternoon, I am sure I saw something very similar in the sky around 5.30.