United Kingdom

Britten-Norman marks 60 years of the Islander and looks ahead to a bold new future

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

First flown on 13th June 1965 from Bembridge Airport, 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 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 simply 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," said 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."

Six decades after the first flight, the Islander family of aircraft remain 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.