British aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman has named Richard Milne as its new chief operating officer, a role created to sharpen delivery execution and scale the company’s engineering output.

Milne brings more than 30 years of aerospace leadership to the business, most recently serving as manufacturing engineering director at GKN Aerospace. He began his career as an aircraft fitter at Marshalls of Cambridge before progressing into leadership positions spanning design, maintenance and manufacturing.

As COO, Milne will oversee day-to-day engineering operations across design, manufacturing, supply chain and maintenance, ensuring programme delivery remains closely integrated with production. His priorities include improving efficiency, maintaining on-time delivery and sustaining the high safety and build standards associated with the Islander aircraft family.

“Richard's expertise in both aircraft design and production will be instrumental as Britten-Norman strengthens and modernises its manufacturing capability. We are delighted to have him join the leadership team at such a pivotal time for the company,” says chair of the board Alison Rankin Frost.

“I am honoured to take on the role of COO of such a prestigious business as it enters this new and exciting chapter,” says Milne. “Alongside the senior leadership team and the board, I look forward to helping steer the company through its next phase of growth, contributing to setting the strategic direction while also ensuring we deliver operational excellence.”