Britten Norman Marks 60 Years Of The Islander And Looks Ahead To A Bold New Future

#Britten #Norman Marks 60 Years Of The Islander And Looks Ahead To A Bold New Future

#Bembridge, June 13th, 2025

Britten Norman celebrates a major milestone, today, 60 years since the maiden flight of the first variant of the iconic Islander #aircraft.

First flown on June 13th 1965 from Bembridge #Airport, the Islander was the result of a bold vision by John Britten and Desmond Norman to create a reliable, rugged aircraft that could go where others couldn’t. That same pioneering spirit is alive in the company today.

For 60 years, the Britten Norman Islander has proven its strength and versatility in every corner of globe – from the Ecuadorian #Amazon to remote #Scottish islands, and from daily passenger routes to disaster relief and frontline operations.

Built for demanding conditions, the Islander remains a trusted platform thanks to its robust airframe, flexible configuration options, and exceptional short field performance. Whether operating from grass, gravel, or tarmac—and in civilian, government, or specialist roles—it delivers dependable performance where other aircraft simply can’t go. 

Today’s Islanders benefit from ongoing enhancements in systems and avionics, helping operators meet modern demands while preserving the rugged DNA that made the type a global success. 

While this anniversary is a moment of pride, it also marks the beginning of a new era for Britten Norman, following major investment in 2024. Britten Norman is scaling up aircraft production and growing its team to meet the needs of a global customer base. 

“This anniversary is a proud moment, but our eyes are firmly on the future”, said William Hynett, Chief Executive at Britten Norman. “We are investing in our people and in the continued evolution of the Islander to meet the needs of today’s operators and the challenges of tomorrow’s aviation.”

To mark the 60th anniversary, the Britten Norman production team gathered for a commemorative photo alongside the new aircraft production line. A special anniversary logo has also been released to mark the occasion.

Six decades after the first flight, the Islander family of aircraft remain trusted to excel in some of the most demanding environments on Earth. With new investment, a growing team, and a strong production pipeline, Britten Norman is ensuring that its legacy continues and that its best days are still to come.

About Britten Norman

Britten Norman is the UK’s only sovereign commercial aircraft manufacturer and a global leader in sub regional aviation. Best known for the Islander, a rugged, twin engine STOL aircraft. The company has produced circa 1,300 aircraft to date, with 97 Prozent exported to commercial, government, and military operators worldwide. Operating as a UK based SME, Britten Norman offers in house design, manufacturing, and through life support from its south coast facilities. The company continues to invest in its UK production base, playing a strategic role in the domestic aerospace supply chain while supporting a global operator network in over 120 countries. With a strong track record in utility, special mission, and regional transport applications, Britten Norman remains a leader in the sub regional segment delivering proven aircraft backed by robust support infrastructure. For more information, visit here …

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