UK aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman reveals plans to increase production rates and to repatriate aircraft production to its historic home in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. The move is a major change for the British SME which has been manufacturing its aircraft in Eastern Europe since the late 1960s.

Britten-Norman will invest in new jigs and tooling to create two additional production lines as well as modernising production and decarbonising the site with new sustainable energy initiatives.

The investment is in preparation for intensified interest in the Islander aircraft following the planned launch of an OEM, zero-emissions Islander model in 2026 as well as wider interest that has resulted from the introduction of finance and leasing options for the resurgent sub regional aircraft market.

In addition to the ramp up in production, the company will be investing in its supply chain and spare parts stock holdings to support its existing operators.