Britten-Norman’s first Islander assembled entirely on its reshored UK production line is now 75% complete and should move into final assembly in the coming weeks. Built at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight, the aircraft is destined for the Falkland Islands Government Air Service and will be the first delivery from the company’s new civil manufacturing line in Britain.
The programme restores full Islander production to the UK after major assemblies had previously been built overseas before final assembly at home. Britten-Norman has also nearly completed a second airframe, which is reported to be about 25% finished, while parts for additional aircraft are already being made.
The reshoring effort has included new machinery and workforce expansion of more than 40%. Britten-Norman also holds letters of intent from operators in the regional passenger and special-mission markets, indicating demand beyond the Falklands order and suggesting the Bembridge line is being positioned for wider output.