Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander

The Britten-Norman Islander is a legendary British utility aircraft, originally designed by John Britten and Desmond Norman in the mid-1960s. For over 50 years, much of the airframe manufacturing was outsourced to Romaero in Romania, with final assembly and certification taking place in the UK. However, starting in 2023, the company initiated a major 'reshoring' strategy to bring full production back to its historic home at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight.

In early 2024, the company underwent a significant financial restructuring. After entering a pre-pack administration process, it was acquired by the UK-based private equity firm 4D Capital Partners through an investment vehicle called Shelton Bidco. This acquisition led to the formation of Britten-Norman Aerospace Ltd, which now oversees the scale-up of Islander production. As of 2025 and heading into 2026, the brand is focused on delivering the first fully UK-built aircraft in decades while expanding into zero-emissions hydrogen-propulsion technology.