UK based OEM Britten-Norman is celebrating 60 years of its iconic Islander aircraft which has been popular around the world as a rugged, go anywhere aircraft ideal for remote locations.
The Islander first flew on the 13th June 1965 from Bembridge Airport on the Isle of Wight, which is still home to the company, and was the brainchild of John Britten and Desmond Norman.
Their vision was for a reliable aircraft that could go to places other aircraft couldn’t and was rugged enough to deal with this places and as a result, the Islander now operates in locations such as the Scottish Highlands and Islands, with military and law enforcement and for emergencies such as disaster relief.
The Islander is a piston powered twin engine aircraft, with Turboprop engine options, that can be operated by a single pilot and carry up to 9 passengers or 929kgs of payload up to a distance of nearly 800 miles. 1,280 Islanders have been built and it has proven itself to be reliable, safe aircraft.
“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.”
The occasion was marked by Britten-Norman staff and production team gathering at the Isle of Wight factory for a commemorative photo.
