Britten-Norman says the first fully UK-built Islander aircraft is nearing completion with work on a second plane already underway at its Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight.
On June 8, 2026, Britten-Norman confirmed that the first new Islander to be produced through its fully reshored UK production line had reached 75% completion.
The second airframe is now nearing 25% complete on the line, and components for follow-on aircraft are already in manufacturing.
Final assembly of the first Islander is scheduled in the coming weeks, followed by delivery to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) later this year.
“Reaching the current level of completion is an excellent achievement for our team and a clear demonstration of the capability we have built at the Bembridge site,” Richard Milne, CCO at Britten-Norman, said. “Each milestone and stage of completion brings us closer to delivering brand-new, British-built Islanders for our customers. The dedication and quality of work achieved by our team is outstanding.”
The new production line at Bembridge marks the return of full civil Islander manufacturing to the United Kingdom. Previously, major assemblies were manufactured overseas before final assembly in the UK.
“Since reaching 50% completion earlier this year, the build has advanced across every major area. Fuselage sub-assemblies and fin were joined at the end of Q1, fuel tank tests were completed, and the 15-metre wing assembly has been completed and attached to the fuselage,” a spokesperson for Britten-Norman said.
Additionally, the manufacturer said it has Letters of Intent (LOIs) in place with more operators across the regional passenger and special-mission sectors.
Britten-Norman is also investing in aftermarket parts availability and service to support a worldwide fleet of in-service Islanders.
The production of this utility aircraft began in 1967. However, less than a year later, the manufacturing was moved to Romania to keep up with production costs and demand.
In June 2023, Britten-Norman announced that the Islander would once again be manufactured in Bembridge, due to rising costs in Romania.
