First UK-built Britten-Norman Islander begins ground testing
The first fully UK-built Britten-Norman (BN) Islander has begun ground testing ahead of its first flight at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight.
Britten-Norman took the decision to move production back to UK after aq long period where major assemblies for the aircraft type were manufactured overseas meaning that new aircraft coming off the final assembly line will be fully ‘Made in Britain’.
The first flight of the BN2B-26 Islander is scheduled for September before its delivery to the Falklands Islands Government (FIGAS) after flight testing is complete and customer preparation has taken place.
“The roll-out of this aircraft is a hugely significant moment for the whole Britten-Norman team, and we want to share it,” said Richard Milne, Chief Operating Officer at Britten-Norman. “To see the first Islander from our repatriated UK production line come together, from producing and sourcing the many parts to roll-out, is testament to the skill and commitment of everyone at Bembridge. We are now firmly focused on completing ground testing and preparing for first flight. The line is running, a second aircraft is taking shape behind this one. Customers and media are very welcome to visit Bembridge and see the aircraft and the production line for themselves ahead of the formal launch later this year.”
The BN Islander has a proven track record for rugged reliability having seen service in remote areas and islands for over 50 years. The UK made aircraft are built to the same standard that operators have to come to expect from the type.
Duane Stewart, General Manager of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service, said, “We’re delighted to see this new aircraft taking shape and look forward to welcoming it to the Falkland Islands. We’re incredibly grateful to Britten-Norman for their continued support and the strong relationship we have built over the decades. This new Islander will be a valuable addition to the FIGAS fleet and help us continue providing an essential service to our community for years to come.”
Aer Arann is one of many operators of the BN Islander which has proved its worth in small remote airfields connecting communities. Their owner, Peter McKenna, welcome the return to UK production saying: “Having been an Islander operator for more than 56 years, we are thrilled to see new Islanders coming off the line at Bembridge. Nothing rivals the rugged reliability of the Islander, and our fleet is testament to that. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Britten-Norman for many more years to come.”
A second UK-built Islander is already on the production line at Bembridge as the Hampshire companies ramps up to continuous production at the Bembridge site.
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