But now, the famed British aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman has filed to appoint administrators.
Just six months ago, the manufacturer announced plans to ramp up production of Islander aircraft in its original Isle of Wight home, the first time since 1968, but has hit money woes since then.
It was celebrated by the island’s Member of Parliament as a return of UK aircraft production.
Pictured: Rows of Trislanders lined up on the Guernsey Airport apron decades ago. (Nigel Le Page)
It’s also involved with research into new hydrogen powered engines for the next generation of zero-emission aircraft, in partnership with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions.
But now advisors have been appointed to steer the company’s board on how to secure necessary investment going forward.
Aurigny was the first airline to operate Trislanders and held the largest fleet with 16 planes at its peak, but the airline decided to withdraw the type in 2017.