Island-Built Britten-Norman Islander Takes To The Skies From Bembridge

A new Britten-Norman Islander has taken its first flight from Bembridge Airport after being built entirely from individual components on the Isle of Wight.

The aircraft, which completed its first flight at 2.25pm yesterday (Thursday), is now entering its flight testing programme.

Britten-Norman says the milestone is significant because it's the first Islander since 2009 to have its complete airframe assembled in the UK from individual components.

The company says bringing the work back to Bembridge gives it greater control over production, quality and delivery times.

A second aircraft is already being built on the production line, with components for further Islanders on order.

Britten-Norman has ambitions to eventually produce up to eight aircraft a year at Bembridge.

The Islander is a familiar sight around the world, with around 350 aircraft currently in service across more than 70 countries.

The fleet has clocked up around 20 million flying hours.

The aircraft which has just taken to the skies is destined for the Falkland Islands Government Air Service, where it will be delivered once its flight testing and final preparations are complete.

The aircraft is also significant for one of Britten-Norman's longest-serving employees.

Peter Dowers joined the company as a fitter in 1978 and has now completed his 500th Islander, aircraft 2317.

He's been passing on his knowledge to younger members of the production team.

Production Manager Callum Trueman was mentored by Mr Dowers when he started his apprenticeship in 2006.

He says the experience will help the team produce the aircraft to a high standard as production increases.

Britten-Norman says around 180 people now work for the company, up from about 100 in 2024.

The company was founded in 1954 and says the Islander has been designed, type-certificated and production-controlled in the UK throughout its history.