First UK-built Britten-Norman Islander begins ground testing
en.Wedoany.com Reported - Britten-Norman has commenced the ground test programme for the first Islander aircraft to be entirely manufactured in the UK, with a first flight targeted for September. This is the first aircraft of the type to be built since production returned to Bembridge, and it will be delivered to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) following the completion of flight testing and customer preparation. The company plans to open its production line to customers and the media ahead of the official launch later this year.
This aircraft is the first Islander to be fully assembled through Britten-Norman's repatriated UK production line, marking the return of complete civil Islander manufacturing to the UK. Previously, major components of the type were manufactured overseas and then shipped to the UK for final assembly.
The aircraft was rolled out at the Isle of Wight facility at the end of July, with the electrical system successfully powered up for the first time the day before the rollout. Prior to this, the engines, propellers, cowlings, electrical systems, brakes, flight control surfaces and mechanisms had all been installed. The project's previously published milestones include: structural completion confirmed at 75% in June, power-on on 29 July, and the official rollout the following day — the current progress aligns with these milestones.
Behind this aircraft, the production line is already in continuous operation. A second fuselage is progressing along the line, and components for subsequent aircraft are also in manufacture. Britten-Norman is establishing a continuous production rhythm at Bembridge, supported by investment in new machinery, tooling and facilities, as well as a workforce that has grown by more than 40% since production was repatriated.
The new aircraft retains the core characteristics that have defined the Islander's global service for over five decades: low operating costs, rugged reliability, and excellent short-field performance — now delivered through more modern production methods and tooling. Its airframe continues to be built to the manufacturing standards that operators have long trusted, with a proven record of 50-year service life. Richard Milne, Chief Operating Officer of Britten-Norman, said that seeing the first Islander produced on the repatriated UK production line, from component manufacturing and procurement through to final rollout, is a testament to the skill and dedication of the Bembridge team. The team is now focused on completing ground testing and preparing for first flight, and welcomes customers and media to visit Bembridge to see the aircraft and the production line ahead of the official launch.
Duane Stewart, General Manager of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service, said it is great to see the new aircraft taking shape and looks forward to its arrival in the Falkland Islands. He thanked Britten-Norman for its continued support over the years and the strong relationship the two organisations have built, and believes this new Islander will be a valuable addition to the FIGAS fleet, helping it continue to provide essential air services to local communities for years to come. Peter McKenna, owner of Aer Arann, also said that as an Islander operator for over 56 years, the company is delighted to see the new aircraft coming off the line at Bembridge — its own fleet being a strong testament to the type's ruggedness and reliability — and looks forward to continuing its partnership with Britten-Norman for many years to come.
Customers, operators and media wishing to visit the Bembridge production line before the launch event at the end of the year can contact Britten-Norman to arrange a tour.
