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Britten-Norman Nears Completion of First UK-Built Islander

June 8, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Britten-Norman's first fully UK-built Islander is nearing completion.
Work on a second aircraft is underway at the Bembridge facility.
Components for follow-on aircraft are in manufacturing.
Delivery to FIGAS is expected later this year.

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Strategic Implications

This development may signal a shift in Britten-Norman's manufacturing strategy, potentially indicating a preference for domestic production over international outsourcing. The return of Islander production to the UK could suggest a focus on quality control and reduced logistical costs, which may benefit the company's competitiveness in the regional passenger and special-mission sectors.

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What Happened

Islander Production Returns To United Kingdom After Decades Abroad

Britten-Norman has announced that the first fully UK-built Islander aircraft is nearing completion, with work on a second plane already underway at its Bembridge facility. The company confirmed that the first new Islander had reached 75% completion, with final assembly scheduled in the coming weeks and delivery to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service expected later this year. This marks the return of full civil Islander manufacturing to the United Kingdom, following the relocation of production to Romania in the late 1960s. According to AeroTime, Britten-Norman is also investing in aftermarket parts availability and service to support a worldwide fleet of in-service Islanders.

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