Britten-Norman Marks New Era with Complete UK Islander Production
- Ritambhara K
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
Britten-Norman, the storied manufacturer of the iconic Islander aircraft, has reached a significant milestone in its program to return full aircraft production to its Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight, UK.
Backed by fresh investment and a wide-ranging transformation plan, the company has now completed over half of the first new Islander’s assembly in the UK. Alongside this achievement, Britten-Norman has expanded its workforce and modernized its facilities to support long-term growth.
For decades, key assemblies were produced overseas before final assembly in the UK. The new Bembridge production line represents a full reshoring of the Islander program, restoring end-to-end aircraft manufacturing to Britain.
The first UK-built Islander’s wing assembly is expected to be completed later this year, with final assembly targeted for early 2026. The aircraft’s first delivery is planned for spring 2026.
“This milestone reflects the excellent progress of our team in relocating Islander production to Bembridge,” said Grahame Stone, Commercial Director at Britten-Norman. “Bringing the full build process back to the UK strengthens our capability and ensures we can deliver new aircraft efficiently to operators worldwide.”
Since announcing its reshoring strategy in 2023, Britten-Norman has invested heavily in advanced manufacturing technologies, including state-of-the-art CNC machinery, while growing its workforce by more than 40% in the past year. In parallel, the company has been enhancing its aftermarket support to improve parts availability and service for operators.
With the new production line now firmly established, Britten-Norman is preparing to scale up activity over the coming years to meet demand. Interest in the Islander remains strong, supported by firm orders and multiple Letters of Intent.
Nearly 1,300 Islanders have been delivered since the aircraft first entered service, playing an essential role in connecting remote communities and supporting critical missions worldwide — from passenger and cargo transport to surveillance and special operations.
With production accelerating, operators will soon have greater access to newly built Islanders, reaffirming the aircraft’s position as a trusted workhorse for diverse missions across the globe.
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