Starling Aerospace has delivered the fully trimmed crew and passenger seating for aircraft 2317, the first Britten-Norman Islander built entirely at the manufacturer's reshored Bembridge production line on the Isle of Wight. The aircraft rolled out on 30 July 2026, made its first flight on 3 September 2026, and is now in flight tests ahead of delivery, with further aircraft to follow as production ramps up.

Starling Aerospace is headquartered in Leatherhead, Surrey, and was founded in 2001 by Steve Swift and Coralie Wigg. The privately owned aircraft interiors specialist holds UK CAA and EASA design, manufacturing and repair approvals, and is an approved line-fit and refurbishment provider for Britten-Norman.

Britten-Norman is headquartered in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, and describes itself as the UK's only independent commercial aircraft manufacturer. The company is majority owned by Beechlands Enterprises, following a 2024 investment that replaced previous owner 4D Capital Partners.

Since 1968, Islander airframes were built in Bucharest and brought to the Isle of Wight for fit out, customisation and certification, with the design, type certificate and production control held in the UK throughout. With aircraft 2317, the detail parts are made and the airframe is assembled at Bembridge as well.

As an approved supplier, Starling built up and trimmed the first shipset of passenger and crew seats for the aircraft, including foams and covers, and provides the design data and supporting certification evidence for Britten-Norman to complete final certification.

"The seats may be a small part of the finished aircraft, but they are an essential contributor to both crew and passenger safety and comfort. We are therefore delighted to have delivered these seats and to support Britten-Norman as this aircraft moves towards delivery with additional aircraft to follow as production ramps up," said Coralie Wigg, co-founder and director of Starling Aerospace.

Aircraft 2317 took off from the same Isle of Wight runway used by the original Islander prototype in 1965, and is destined for delivery to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service as the first aircraft from the reshored Bembridge line.

For the sector, the milestone highlights the depth of UK supply chain investment underpinning Britten-Norman's push to rebuild complete Islander production domestically.

Source: Aviation Business News / Starling Aerospace