Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander
The Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander is a British light utility aircraft and regional airliner designed and originally manufactured by Britten-Norman of the United Kingdom. Still in production, the Islander is one of the best-selling commercial aircraft types produced in Europe. Although designed in the 1960s, over 750 are still in service with commercial operators around the world. The aircraft is a light transport with over 30 military aviation operators around the world.
| Islander | |
|---|---|
| A Winair Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander | |
| Role | Utility aircraft/airliner |
| National origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Britten-Norman |
| Designer | John Britten, Desmond Norman |
| First flight | 13 June 1965 |
| Status | Active service |
| Produced | 1965–present |
| Number built | 1,280 |
| Variants | Britten-Norman Defender |
| Developed into | Britten-Norman Trislander |
Initial aircraft were manufactured at Britten-Norman's factory in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, UK. After Fairey Aviation acquired the Britten-Norman company, its Islanders and Trislander aircraft were built in Romania, then shipped to Avions Fairey in Belgium for finishing before being flown to the UK for flight certification. The Islander has been in production for more than 50 years.
In September 2023, it was announced that production of the Islander has returned to the UK, after fifty-five years of manufacturing abroad. Several countries made Letters of Intent to buy Islanders, creating new jobs and possibly a new hangar.