Aircraft manufacturing returns to Isle of Wight
The move is being described as a "vote of confidence" in the future of the island
Planes are going to be built on the Isle of Wight again.
Manufacturer Britten-Norman has begun production of its Islander aircraft at Bembridge.
The plane used to be made on the island before manufacturing was moved to eastern Europe in the late 1960s.
It will be assembled at Solent Airport in Lee-on-Solent.
The first UK Islander aircraft now in production is due for completion in May 2024.
William Hynett, chief executive of Britten-Norman, said: "We are immensely proud to bring production back to the UK, where our manufacturing story began nearly seven decades ago."
Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said: "The Islander's return to the Isle of Wight is an important and exciting day.
"I am delighted that Britten-Norman has made the decision to bring back the production line of their iconic plane to where it was first built, on the Isle of Wight.
"It’s a major vote of confidence in the future of the island and a significant investment for our skilled manufacturing base."