Britten-Norman Plans Return to Isle of Wight for Aircraft Production

British company will build its signature Islander twin at Bembridge, its historic home.

Jonathan Welsh

Monday, June 12, 2023 at 06:42 PM ET

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Britten-Norman plans to resume manufacturing Islander aircraft on the Isle of Wight. [Courtesy: Britten-Norman]

Key Takeaways:

Britten-Norman is returning its aircraft assembly operations from Eastern Europe to its historic home in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, marking a significant strategic relocation.
The company plans a major production boost, investing in new facilities, additional production lines, sustainable energy initiatives, and preparing for a zero-emissions Islander launch by 2026.
This expansion is expected to create new manufacturing jobs (e.g., mechanics, engineers) and enhance support for existing aircraft operators through increased spare parts investment.

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U.K.-based aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman plans to boost production and return aircraft assembly operations to the company’s historic home of Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. This represents a big move for the company, which has been manufacturing its airplanes in Eastern Europe since the late 1960s.

As part of the revamped production plan, the company announced it will invest in new jigs and tooling to add two more production lines while updating its facilities overall and implementing new initiatives around sustainable energy.