Britten-Norman, manufacturer of the world-renowned Islander series of aircraft, today announces that after more than 20 years of dedicated leadership, Chief Executive William Hynett OBE will be transitioning from his executive responsibilities to take up the role of Non-Executive Director on the company’s Board, focusing on business strategy.
This planned transition comes at a pivotal time for Britten-Norman, as the company embarks on a new phase of investment, innovation, and strategic development. The Board expresses its deep gratitude to William for his remarkable leadership, having steered the business through multiple industry cycles and playing a pivotal role in securing its legacy as a key part of the UK’s aerospace capability.
“William has been the driving force behind Britten-Norman’s continuing resilience and growth” comments Board Chair Alison Rankin Frost. “His deep knowledge of the business and commitment to UK sovereign manufacturing have shaped the company into what it is today. We are delighted that he will continue to provide strategic oversight and guidance as a Non-Executive Director, on the Board.”
Since joining Britten-Norman, Hynett has led the company through significant transformation — including major investment in infrastructure, manufacturing, and customer support — while staying true to the company’s heritage of producing the iconic Islander aircraft. Notably, he spearheaded the successful re-shoring of Islander production from Romania back to the UK, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sovereign manufacturing. Under his steadfast leadership, Britten-Norman has strengthened its global customer base and reaffirmed its strategic importance to British industry.
“It has been an honour to serve Britten-Norman over the past two decades,” says Hynett. “This business has always been more than just a company to me — it’s a part of my family’s legacy. It was my late father, Maurice Hynett, who first encouraged me to get involved, and I’ve carried that sense of personal commitment with me ever since. I am incredibly proud of what the team has achieved in safeguarding our heritage, supporting our customers, and investing in our future. With new capital backing and an exciting strategic roadmap, now is the right time to hand over day-to-day leadership. I look forward to supporting Britten-Norman and its next chapter from the Board.”
Under Hynett’s stewardship, the company recently secured substantial new investment aimed at expanding operations and advancing manufacturing capabilities at its Solent and Isle of Wight facilities.
His leadership has also been recognised at the national level with the award of an OBE, honouring his services within the aviation industry and his enduring commitment to the development of special mission aircraft.
Britten-Norman remains firmly focused on supporting its global operator base, delivering world-class aviation products and services, and advancing UK aerospace innovation.
About Britten-Norman:
Britten-Norman is the UK’s only sovereign commercial aircraft manufacturer and a global leader in sub-regional aviation. Best known for the Islander, a rugged, twin-engine STOL aircraft. The company has produced circa 1,300 aircraft to date, with 97% exported to commercial, government, and military operators worldwide. Operating as a UK-based SME, Britten-Norman offers in-house design, manufacturing, and through-life support from its south coast facilities. The company continues to invest in its UK production base, playing a strategic role in the domestic aerospace supply chain while supporting a global operator network in over 120 countries. With a strong track record in utility, special mission, and regional transport applications, Britten-Norman remains a leader in the sub-regional segment delivering proven aircraft backed by robust support infrastructure. For more information, visit www.britten-norman.com
About William Hynett:
William Hynett joined Britten-Norman in 2002, initially as Marketing Director, with a primary focus on foreign military opportunities. Since being appointed Chief Executive in March 2003, Hynett has led the company through a period of sustained growth and diversification and played an important role in helping the company to explore new markets across six continents. In 2023 he led the repatriation of the company’s manufacturing operations to the UK, after more than 50 years of outsourcing to Eastern Europe. An advocate of engineering apprenticeships, he helped pioneer a comprehensive training programme that has delivered highly sought after candidates into the aerospace sector. Prior to joining Britten-Norman, Hynett served in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm as a carrier-borne fighter pilot, serving in Bosnia, Iraq and Kosovo. He went on to lead the Sea Harrier Operational Evaluation Unit, specialising in trials of new equipment both at home and overseas. The experience gained in the military allowed Hynett to drive a pivot of Britten-Norman’s strategy towards the special mission sector, in which it is now a market leader in capability development. For his leadership in the company’s delivery of urgent operational requirements on behalf of the UK government, Hynett was awarded the OBE at Windsor Castle in 2011. A keen pilot, Hynett is qualified on both single and multi-engine fixed wing aircraft. He has flown a number of long-range deliveries of Islander aircraft as far as Alaska, the Falkland Islands and the South Pacific.