Isle of Wight aircraft manufacturer, Britten-Norman, plans to quadruple its output over the next couple of years, with workers based at its hangers in Bembridge.

Today (Thursday), it formally opened its new production line and revealed there is already interest from firms in Malta, India and Australia. Meanwhile, the first aeroplane from its reinvigorated Island-base will to go to the Falkland Islands.

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely cut the ribbon, alongside the group's chief executive, William Hynett, who said the aim was to "build British and export to the world."

The firm is already successful in doing so, with 97 per cent of its products sent across the globe.

Isle of Wight County Press: Red carpet to a demonstrator Islander aircraft.Red carpet to a demonstrator Islander aircraft. (Image: IWCP.)The firm's iconic Islander has been flying since 1965 and although it has undergone 2,000 modifications since then, the basic design is true to the original and it is fondly referred to as the 'Land Rover of the skies'. 

William Hynett said Islanders are exported to far flung locations, including remote Pacific islands, Canada and South Africa.

Historically they were manufactured in Romania, which has resulted in logistic challenges when it comes to getting Solent-based staff out to check on the work.

Now, the process will be streamlined.

Mr Seely said: "It is really important to have skilled manufacturing on the Island. 

"I am delighted we are in shoring. We will do it better and we will probably do it at less global environmental cost than other countries."

Also on hand for the official launch were Alex Norman, whose dad, Desmond Norman, was half of the pioneering duo behind Britten-Norman.

Isle of Wight County Press: Isle of Wight County Press: MP Bob Seely, right, cuts the ribbon on the production line at Britten-Norman in Bembridge while chief executive, William Hynett, watches on.MP Bob Seely, right, cuts the ribbon on the production line at Britten-Norman in Bembridge while chief executive, William Hynett, watches on. (Image: IWCP.)

Isle of Wight County Press: MP Bob Seely and young Britten-Norman staff.MP Bob Seely and young Britten-Norman staff. (Image: IWCP.)He said: "Dad would have been utterly delighted and quietly satisfied. If you get something right, it stays right.

"Here we are, almost sixty years after the first flight, still going strong.

"He and John [Britten] would have delighted production has moved back to Bembridge, where it all began"

James Morton is the nephew of co-founder John Britten.

Of the Islander, he said: "It's the Land Rover of the sky. You've got a strong study platform. It's never going to let you down and you can put whatever you want in it, whether it's parachutists, medical staff. 

"To see it coming back to life at Bembridge is just brilliant. 

"My uncle would have been chuffed to nuts, He really would."