UK aircraft interior manufacturer, Starling Aerospace, has delivered the fully trimmed crew and passenger seating for aircraft 2317, the first Britten-Norman Islander built in the UK from detail component level at the manufacturer’s re-shored production line at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight.
From 1968, Islander airframes were built in Bucharest and brought to the Isle of Wight for fit out, customisation and certification, with the design, type certificate and production control held in the UK throughout. With aircraft 2317, the detail parts are made, and the airframe is assembled at Bembridge as well.
As an approved line-fit (new build) and refurbishment provider for Britten-Norman, Starling built-up and trimmed the first shipset of passenger and crew seats, including foams and covers. Starling provides the design data and supporting certification evidence for Britten-Norman to provide the final certification.
Coralie Wigg, co-founder and director of Starling Aerospace, said: “The seats may be a small part of the finished aircraft, but they are an essential contributor to both crew and passenger safety and comfort. We are therefore delighted to have delivered these seats and to support Britten-Norman as this aircraft moves towards delivery with additional aircraft to follow as production ramps up.”
Aircraft 2317 was rolled out at Bembridge on 30 July 2026 and made its first flight on 3 September 2026, from the same Isle of Wight runway the Islander prototype used in 1965. It is now in flight tests ahead of delivery to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) and will be the first aircraft delivered from the reshored Bembridge line.
Interior in situ
