First fully UK-built Islander begins testing ahead of September flight

The first BN2B-26 Islander manufactured entirely in the UK since Britten-Norman brought production back to Bembridge has entered ground testing, with its maiden flight planned for September 2026.

The aircraft was rolled out at the company’s Isle of Wight facility on 30 July, one day after electrical power was applied for the first time. Its engines, propellers, flight controls, electrical systems and brakes have now been installed.

Following flight testing and customer preparations, the aircraft will be delivered to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS), where it will support essential connections between the islands’ communities.

The milestone marks the return of complete civil Islander production to Britain after a period in which major assemblies were manufactured overseas and shipped to the UK for final assembly.

A second airframe is already progressing through production, while components for further aircraft are being manufactured. Britten-Norman is establishing continuous production at Bembridge after investing in new equipment, tooling and facilities. Its workforce has grown by more than 40% since manufacturing was brought back to the UK.

The new-build Islander retains the type’s low operating costs, rugged construction and short-runway capabilities, which have supported operations in remote regions for more than five decades. Britten-Norman plans to formally launch the aircraft later this year.