Falkland Islands Government Orders Four New BN2B-26 Islanders

Britten-Norman has secured a tentative $9.75 million agreement with the Falkland Islands government to deliver four new BN2B-26 Islander aircraft. The announcement, made on November 7, 2024, marks a significant step in modernizing the Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service (FIGAS) fleet, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two entities.

The Letter of Intent (LOI) outlines that the new BN2B-26 Islanders will replace older models currently in service and complement two additional aircraft that FIGAS has already contracted from Britten-Norman. The first of these two aircraft is already operational, with the second expected to enter service soon.

The Falkland Islands government views the BN2B-26 Islander as a key component for fulfilling the region’s demanding aviation needs. FIGAS, which has been providing essential services in the Falklands for 75 years, relies on its fleet for a variety of missions, including commuter flights, air ambulance services, postal deliveries, freight transport, veterinary support, environmental monitoring, and increasingly popular scenic flights for visitors.

William Hynett, CEO of Britten-Norman, expressed his excitement about the new agreement, saying, “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 supporting the communities of these important islands.” He added, “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.”

The BN2B-26 Islander, a rugged piston-powered aircraft, is especially suited for the challenging conditions in the Falkland Islands due to its Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) capabilities. Over the six decades that FIGAS has operated its fleet of Islanders, the aircraft’s durability and reliability have been proven time and again. The decision to choose the BN2B-26 as a replacement for older models was based on an extensive evaluation of what best meets the region’s operational needs.

The rugged design of the Islander is critical to its success in the Falklands, where extreme weather conditions and limited infrastructure make it essential for aircraft to perform in a variety of challenging environments. The new aircraft will further enhance FIGAS’s ability to serve the remote communities and contribute to the long-term success of the region’s aviation services.

With the addition of these new Islanders, FIGAS will continue to play a vital role in connecting the Falkland Islands to essential services and ensuring that it can continue to meet the demands of both its residents and visitors.

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