Britten-Norman has begun ground testing on the first Islander aircraft fully built through its reshored UK production line at Bembridge, Isle of Wight, ahead of a first flight targeted for September.

The aircraft is the first of four ordered by the Falkland Islands Government Air Service to modernise its commuting, air ambulance, freight and environmental monitoring roles.

Britten-Norman is a privately owned UK aircraft manufacturer headquartered in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, and describes itself as the sole independent commercial aircraft producer in the United Kingdom. The company is majority owned by Beechlands Enterprises following a 2024 investment that replaced previous owner 4D Capital Partners.

FIGAS committed to ordering four new Islanders at a total value of 9.75 million dollars (8.35 million euros) in November 2024, as part of a plan to modernise its fleet as the service marks 75 years of operations.

The first FIGAS Islander was rolled out at Britten-Norman's Isle of Wight facility the day after electrical power was successfully applied for the first time, following installation of the aircraft's engines, propellers, cowlings, electrical systems, brakes and flight control surfaces. The roll-out followed 75% structural completion confirmed in June and power-on on 29 July.

The aircraft marks the return of manufacturing to the UK, following a period in which major assemblies were produced overseas ahead of final assembly domestically.

A second airframe is already progressing through the production line, with components for follow-on aircraft in manufacture. Britten-Norman is establishing a continuous production cadence at Bembridge, supported by investment in new machinery, tooling and facilities, and a workforce that has grown by more than 40% since production was reshored.

"The roll-out of this aircraft is a hugely significant moment for the whole Britten-Norman team, and we want to share it," said chief operating officer Richard Milne. "To see the first Islander from our repatriated UK production line come together, from producing and sourcing the many parts to roll-out, is testament to the skill and commitment of everyone at Bembridge. We are now firmly focused on completing ground testing and preparing for first flight."

For the sector, the milestone underscores a broader push to rebuild domestic light aircraft manufacturing capacity in the UK as production shifts back from overseas assembly.

Source: Business Air News / FlightGlobal