The Falkland Islands Government has signed a Letter of Intent with British aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman to order four BN2B-26 Islander aircraft, with the deal valued at approximately USD 9.75 million. This acquisition is part of a plan to modernise the...
To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:
The Falkland Islands Government has signed a Letter of Intent with British aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman to order four BN2B-26 Islander aircraft, with the deal valued at approximately USD 9.75 million.
This acquisition is part of a plan to modernise the Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service (FIGAS) fleet as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. The new aircraft will complement two previously ordered Islander aircraft from Britten-Norman, one of which is already in operation. All new planes will be manufactured in Britten-Norman’s UK facility on the Isle of Wight, re-established in 2023.
Since its inception in 1948, FIGAS has been essential in providing air transport services across the Falklands. Its current fleet of five Islanders performs various roles, including commuter flights, air ambulance, mail and freight transport, veterinary support, environmental monitoring, and scenic tours for visitors. These aircraft serve to keep remote areas connected and accessible.
The BN2B-26 Islander model, recognised for its rugged design and Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) capability, has been a reliable choice for FIGAS, handling the challenging terrains and conditions in the Falklands over the decades. FIGAS’s decision to upgrade to new Islanders reflects an assessment of the aircraft’s suitability for local operational demands, where durability and reliability remain priorities. Recent refinements in the Islander model also influenced this decision.
For Britten-Norman, this order aligns with its 70th anniversary and its expansion of production at its UK facility, which aims to quadruple output over the next few years. The company plans to reinvest profits to support ongoing product development and environmental improvements through its “Green Futures Initiative,” which focuses on reducing carbon emissions.
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.”
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) recently opted for fixed triple configuration Torpedo Launcher Systems (TLS) for its five Maharaja Lela-class…
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) recently announced that its PU Kuching Engineering Branch had successfully completed 2nd line servicing…
2025 marks 10 years since the first Airbus A400M tactical transport (MSN22) was delivered to the Royal Malaysian Air Force…
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has now fully operationalised the three CN235s converted into maritime surveillance aircraft boosting its…
The RMAF is displaying its advancements as a combat force at the ongoing LIMA. Malaysia’s air arm has transformed in…
Malaysia will soon acquire Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods following U.S. approval for a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) at an estimated…
The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) recently opted for fixed triple configuration Torpedo Launcher Systems (TLS) for its five Maharaja Lela-class…
The Turkish shipbuilder STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş (STM) is participating at the ongoing show and eyeing greater…
RMN’s KD Kasturi Completes RefitOne of the most important warships in the Royal Malaysian Navy, the KD Kasturi, the lead…
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is to receive the first of two ATR 72 MPA platforms, ordered in a…
Military helicopters must be equipped to perform the most demanding battlefield missions in the harshest environments. The AW149 is a…
Embraer is displaying its KC-390 Millennium for the first time at the ongoing airshow, marking the type’s debut at LIMA.…
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has pulled off a show stopper at the ongoing show with a unique and…
PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), Southeast Asia’s only aircraft manufacturer, is showcasing its aerospace products, advancements in special mission aircraft and…
The 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) promises once again to deliver the high-adrenalin excitment…
Exail, a leader in simulation solutions, is partnering with Babcock France for the Mentor 2 program. Awarded by the French…
The German ministry of defence is evaluating the purchase of the Israeli developed Arrow 4 interceptor. The delivery of Arrow…
A cooperation protocol has been signed between the organisers of the Homeland Security Equipment Exhibition (İGEF) and the Turkish Aeronautical…
Danish defence and aerospace company Terma has introduced the SCANTER Sphera, a new 3D radar system developed for counter-drone operations,…
New Horizon Aircraft, developer of one of the world's first hybrid eVTOL aircraft, has achieved full wing transition of its…
Indra has introduced its latest development, the VALERO weapon system, at the FEINDEF defence exhibition. Designed entirely in Spain, VALERO…
Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, and Indra have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on…
Boeing has announced a new order from AviLease, a global aircraft lessor based in Saudi Arabia, for 20 737-8 aircraft,…
Construction has begun on Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5), a major expansion project that is expected to significantly increase Singapore’s…
The Typhoon 30c Remote Weapon Station, developed by Israel's Rafael, was recently demonstrated in the U.S to an enthusiastic audience.…
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has requested the purchase of the Lockheed Martin-made Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM). The missile is…
A German space start-up has completed its first orbital test of a new heat shield concept, potentially marking a shift…
Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, is ramping up its flight frequencies and increasing passenger capacity across its Asia-Pacific…
Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited and PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) have signed a Letter of…
Deutsche Aircraft has selected American Data Solutions (ADS) to provide technical publication management solutions for its next-generation regional turboprop, the…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.