BN Group, the Isle of Wight-based manufacturer of Britten-Norman aircraft, has signed a new production contract for 24 Islander craft with assembly plant Romaero SA of Bucharest. Delivery will be over a two-year period.

The companies have been partners for almost 35 years during which over 500 Islanders have been built.

BNG executive director Robert Wilson said: "We are delighted... it confirms our position as the only UK manufacturer of commercial aircraft."

The Islander range of light utility twin-engined aircraft, is Europe's most successful with almost 1,300 craft and the military derivative, the Defender, built.

Source: Flight Daily News