Falklands to order four Islanders
The Falkland Islands Government has signed a letter of intent with Britten-Norman to purchase four new BN2B-26 Islander aircraft, for a total cost of $9.75 million.
This acquisition is part of the Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service’s (FIGAS) fleet modernisation plan.
These four aircraft will join the two Islanders FIGAS previously commissioned from Britten-Norman, the first of which is already operational.
All new Islanders will be manufactured at Britten-Norman’s UK facility on the Isle of Wight, which reopened in late 2023 after relocating from overseas.
Since 1948, FIGAS has been essential to daily life in the Falklands, operating a fleet of five Islanders that provide critical connectivity for remote communities.
Alongside regular commuter flights, FIGAS conducts missions such as air ambulance services, mail delivery, freight transport, veterinary support, environmental monitoring, and increasingly popular scenic tours.
The BN2B-26 Islander model, a robust piston-powered aircraft, has been a cornerstone of the FIGAS fleet, known for its Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities that suit the varied terrains and challenging weather of the Falklands.
William Hynett, chief executive at Britten-Norman, commented: “We are so pleased to have such an incredible opportunity to build a new chapter in our long-standing relationship with the Falkland Islands Government and to continue to support the communities of these important islands.
“Our relationship with FIGAS is an exemplar of the benefits that can be achieved in private / public sector co-operation. As one of our most valued long-term partners, we rely on crucial feedback from FIGAS and work hard to use this knowledge to further refine our products and services.”
