Britten-Norman starts ground tests on first UK-built Islander for Falklands service

Britten-Norman has started ground tests on the first Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander produced entirely on its newly re-established production line in the United Kingdom. The aircraft is intended for delivery to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service, known as Figas.

According to the manufacturer, first flight is planned for September 2026. Once flight testing is complete, the aircraft will be handed over to the Falklands operator.

The airframe rolled out of Britten-Norman's factory in Bembridge, on the Isle of Wight, in late July. The company had previously moved parts of Islander production abroad before deciding to bring manufacturing back to the UK site.

A second Islander is already in production, and further components are being manufactured for additional airframes, the company said. Britten-Norman added that its workforce at Bembridge has grown by more than 40 percent since production was repatriated.

The BN-2 Islander is a light utility aircraft widely used for short regional routes, including island and remote-area services such as those operated by Figas in the South Atlantic.