One of the leading aircraft manufacturers, Britten-Norman, has recently announced its plans to bring its whole-aircraft manufacturing operations back to the UK, specifically to its spiritual home on the beautiful Isle of Wight.
Britten-Norman has been producing its renowned Islander sub-regional propeller aircraft in Romania for more than five decades. However, the company has made the decision to repatriate a portion of its production and invest in new jigs and tooling to establish two additional production lines at its headquarters in Bembridge, Isle of Wight. This move is aimed at enhancing production efficiency and sustainability, as the company plans to modernize its manufacturing processes and implement new sustainable energy initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.
The decision to bring production back to the UK is largely driven by the increased interest in the Islander, especially with the exciting announcement of a zero emissions variant set to hit the market in 2026. In collaboration with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS), Britten-Norman is developing an innovative hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system. This partnership will merge the expertise of both entities, creating a clear path to market for the new aircraft. The certification for passenger services is scheduled for 2026, marking a significant milestone for both companies.
“The project is a great success story for the British aircraft manufacturing industry,” said Britten-Norman chief executive, William Hynett. “I am very proud to be involved in this next chapter at Britten-Norman.”
As part of this new venture, Britten-Norman will continue to operate its 34,000 square feet manufacturing base at Solent Airport Daedalus, which serves as the final assembly line for the Islander aircraft. The site offers a range of services, including OEM aircraft refurbishment, EASA Part 145 MRO services, international field servicing, and specialist avionics and mission systems integration.
With this exciting expansion on the horizon, Britten-Norman plans to launch a widespread recruitment campaign across the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership area in the coming months. They will be looking to fill various roles, such as aircraft fitters, technicians, production engineers, and supply chain professionals. Moreover, this expansion will create new opportunities for traineeships and apprenticeships on the Isle of Wight and in South Hampshire, further contributing to the growth and development of the local workforce.
At Millbank, we're thrilled to witness this significant development in the manufacturing industry. The return of Britten-Norman's manufacturing operations to the UK, with a focus on sustainability and innovation, not only strengthens the British aircraft manufacturing industry but also paves the way for future advancements. We will continue to keep you updated on the latest news and opportunities in the manufacturing sector, so stay tuned for more exciting updates from Millbank!
Reference: www.theengineer.co.uk “H2 helps Britten-Norman bring production back to UK” Researched and written by The Engineer, Manufacturing News
https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/news/h2-helps-britten-norman-bring-production-back-to-uk
