Production of iconic islander returns to Britain

Britten-Norman has launched its new production line at Bembridge as it repatriates manufacturing of the Islander aircraft back to the UK.

Industry experts, customers and the press gathered at Bembridge as the new production line of the ‘Land Rover of the skies’ was officially opened by Bob Seely MP. Those present included Alex Norman, the son of co-founder Desmond Norman.

From now on, the iconic Islander aircraft, variants of which have been manufactured by the company for more than 50 years, will be built at Bembridge before being transported across to Lee-on-Solent for final assembly. The 1st Islander to be built in the UK since operations moved to Romania in 1968 is expected to be completed by May 2024.