Britten-Norman, manufacturer of the veteran Islander, is continuing its offensive into the law-enforcement and military market with a new maintenance business to support the British Army's 17 Islanders and Defender special mission versions of the aircraft. The operation - at the former RAF station at St Athan in Wales - will also offer maintenance services on other military aircraft.
The Omani-owned, Isle of Wight-based company, which has several times come close to going out of business, is continuing its recovery: this year it will build five aircraft, including three Defenders, and turn over around £15 million ($29 million), treble the figure of five years ago.
Chief executive William Hynett, recruited in 2003 to turn Britten-Norman around, says customer support is now a major part of the company's offering. "We were always aware that in the past this was less than optimal," he adds.
Source: Flight International
