Britten-Norman is celebrating a major milestone, marking 60 years since the maiden flight of the first variant of the Islander aircraft.

First flown on 13 June 1965 from Bembridge airport on the Isle of Wight, 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 the 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 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,” says 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 remains 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.