UK aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman has signed a new 15 year lease on its civil aircraft manufacturing and maintenance facilities at Solent airport. The lease covers its third purpose-built hangar, a part of Fareham Borough Council's economic hub in Hampshire. The signing of the new lease signals a period of growth and innovation across its 34,000 sq ft stronghold on the UK's south coast.

As the company looks to further develop its products and services, it has purchased nine aircraft from the UK Ministry of Defence to repurpose and reinvent for the civilian market. Since moving its airside operations to the airport in 2010, Britten-Norman has created over 100 skilled job opportunities and invested over £20 million into the local community.

As a founding member of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership, Britten-Norman is reestablishing its commitment to the Solent area. The company will continue to provide aerospace services for its aircraft, which are certified in 144 countries worldwide. As well as being the aircraft final assembly plant for the group, the site provides OEM aircraft refurbishment, EASA Part 145 MRO services, international field servicing and specialist avionics and mission systems integration. As a Garmin-approved dealer, the company also provides services to the wider general aviation community. The continued lease will fortify its ever-expanding business by maintaining output to meet increasing demand.