What Happened
UK-Based Planemaker Achieves Milestone In Revitalized Production
Britten-Norman has successfully conducted the maiden test flight of the first Islander aircraft built in the UK since full production returned to British shores in 2023. The aircraft, which is destined for the Falkland Islands Government Air Service fleet, took to the skies on September 3, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the company. Britten-Norman had previously announced the start of ground testing for the aircraft, which is the first to come off the new production line on the Isle of Wight. The company also reported progress on a second airframe, with components for follow-on aircraft in manufacture. This development was first reported by AeroTime.