The Falkland Islands Government has signed a Letter of Intent with Bembridge-based Britten-Norman with a view to ordering 4 new BN2B-26 Islander aircraft at a total value of $9.75million.
The new aircraft project is part of a plan to further modernise the fleet operated by the Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service (FIGAS) as it marks 75 years of operations. The order is in addition to 2 aircraft that FIGAS has already contracted Britten-Norman to build, the first of which is now in service.
All of the new aircraft will be delivered from Britten-Norman’s UK based manufacturing line here on the Isle of Wight, which the company launched in late 2023 after re-shoring from overseas.
FIGAS has been an integral part of Falkland life since 1948. Their existing fleet of 5 Islanders serve in a variety of roles and are essential in keeping the Falklands and its more remote communities connected. In addition to commuting flights, regular missions include air ambulance, postal carrier, freight, veterinary transport, environmental monitoring and increasingly popular scenic flights.
This order is of great importance to Britten-Norman, as it marks its own 70th anniversary, and comes as the company commences a ramp up of its production output from its UK facility, where new aircraft production is set to grow fourfold over the next 2-3 years.
William Hynett, Chief Executive at Britten-Norman, comments:
“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.
Article continues below this advertisement “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.”
Great News