Britten-Norman Islander begins ground tests
The aircraft will eventually be delivered to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service.
Britten-Norman’s first Islander built in the UK since production was reshored has begun its ground test programme, ahead of a first flight planned for September.
The aircraft was rolled out at Britten-Norman’s Bembridge, Isle of Wight facility on Thursday 30th July, the day after electrical power was successfully applied for the first time.
“The roll-out of this aircraft is a hugely significant moment for the whole Britten-Norman team, and we want to share it,” said Richard Milne, chief operating officer at Britten-Norman. “To see the first Islander from our repatriated UK production line come together, from producing and sourcing the many parts to roll-out, is testament to the skill and commitment of everyone at Bembridge. We are now firmly focused on completing ground testing and preparing for first flight. The line is running, a second aircraft is taking shape behind this one.”
Delivery to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) will follow completion of flight testing and customer preparation.
Duane Stewart, general manager of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service, said: “We’re delighted to see this new aircraft taking shape and look forward to welcoming it to the Falkland Islands. We’re incredibly grateful to Britten-Norman for their continued support and the strong relationship we have built over the decades. This new Islander will be a valuable addition to the FIGAS fleet and help us continue providing an essential service to our community for years to come.”
A second airframe is on the production line, components for follow-on aircraft are in manufacture and the company is establishing a “continuous production cadence” at Bembridge. The workforce has grown by more than 40% since production was repatriated, said the company.
Britten-Norman is inviting customers, operators and press to visit the Bembridge production line. Milne said: “Customers and media are very welcome to visit Bembridge and see the aircraft and the production line for themselves ahead of the formal launch later this year.”