Britten-Norman, manufacturer of the iconic Islander aircraft, has reached a major milestone in the company’s programme to bring full aircraft production to its Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight. Supported by new investment and a wide-ranging transformation initiative, Britten-Norman has completed more than 50% of the first new UK-built Islander’s assembly while expanding its workforce and modernising the company’s facilities. Wing assembly of the first UK-built Islander is expected to be finished later this year, with final assembly scheduled for early 2026 ahead of first delivery in spring 2026.

More information www.britten-norman.com

Clean tech company HyFlux is collaborating with the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to create a groundbreaking cryogenic cooling system designed specifically for hydrogen-electric aircraft.The Swansea-based company will head up the new £1.5m project, named SUPERCOOL, aimed at enabling the lightweight, high-efficiency cooling required for superconducting motor operation in zero-emission propulsion systems. HyFlux will be overseeing project delivery, system architecture, and commercial strategy. The AMRC will support engineering validation and integration.

More information www.amrc.co.uk

Team UK has reached an important milestone in its journey of skills development and international competition in preparation for next year’s ‘skills Olympics’ in Shanghai, with a bronze medal and five medallions for excellence awarded in the process. The Industry 4.0 bronze medal was awarded to Caolan McCartan from Newry and Patrick Sheerin from Portadown, who train at Southern Regional College and work for Pronto Engineering Group and AJ Power respectively. In addition, Thomas Ankers from Wrexham, who trains at Coleg Cambria and works for Electroimpact, won a medallion for excellence in CNC milling.

More information www.worldskillsuk.org