Bembridge-based Britten-Norman has delivered a new BN2T-4S Islander aircraft to Xen Aviation as the company prepares to launch regional services in Guyana.
The aircraft, completed at the Isle of Wight manufacturer’s UK facility, will become the first BN2T-4S Islander to operate in the South American country.
Xen Aviation & Services Inc. plans to use the aircraft for commuter operations based out of Georgetown, serving remote and challenging airstrips across Guyana.
The BN2T-4S is the enlarged turboprop version of the iconic Islander aircraft and offers around 30% more cabin space alongside an increased maximum take-off weight of 8,925lbs.
Powered by twin Rolls-Royce 250-B17F engines, the aircraft has been designed for operations from short and difficult runways, including infrastructure-limited and unprepared airstrips.
The new aircraft is fitted with a modern Garmin glass cockpit and integrated avionics suite to improve situational awareness and operational safety.
Britten-Norman says the BN2T-4S continues the Islander’s long-standing reputation as one of the world’s leading short take-off and landing aircraft, with the type already widely used across the Caribbean and South America.
Corrin Stapleton, Director of MRO at Britten-Norman, said:
“This delivery demonstrates our ability to provide operators with aircraft configured to a consistent, OEM-defined standard.
“The BN2T-4S combines turbine performance, modern avionics and the Islander’s proven short-field capability, supporting reliable operations in demanding environments worldwide.”
A spokesperson for Xen Aviation added:
“Our operations depend on reliable access to remote and challenging airstrips, often in variable conditions.
“The BN2T-4S offers the twin-engine safety, performance, robustness and modern systems we wish to offer to our customers, while retaining the Islander’s well-established short-field capability.”
