The Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) is eagerly anticipating delivery of the first Islander to be fully built in the UK since Britten-Norman repatriated production to Bembridge. The ground test programme for the aircraft has begun, with a first flight targeted for some time in September.

Duane Stewart, general manager of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service, says: “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 its 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.”

FIGAS committed to ordering four new BN2B-26 Islanders at a total value of $9.75 million in November 2024, as part of a plan to modernise its fleet as it marks 75 years of operations.

The first FIGAS Islander was rolled out at Britten-Norman‘s Isle of Wight facility the day after electrical power was successfully applied for the first time. The roll-out followed the installation of the aircraft’s engines, propellers, cowlings, electrical systems, brakes and flight control surfaces and mechanisms, and came in sequence with the programme’s previous public milestones: 75% structural completion confirmed in June, power-on on 29 July and roll-out the following day.

The aircraft is the first Islander to be fully assembled through Britten-Norman’s reshored UK production line, marking the return of complete civil Islander manufacturing to the United Kingdom following a period in which major assemblies were manufactured overseas prior to final assembly in the UK.

Behind this aircraft, the production line is already at work. A second airframe is progressing through the line, components for follow-on aircraft are in manufacture, and the company is establishing a continuous production cadence at Bembridge, supported by investment in new machinery, tooling and facilities and a workforce that has grown by more than 40% since production was reshored.

“The roll-out of this aircraft is a hugely significant moment for the whole Britten-Norman team, and we want to share it,” says COO Richard Milne. “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. 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.”