Aviation and Airlines (Commonwealth Union) _ Britten-Norman, the renowned UK aircraft manufacturer, has secured a buyer for its latest version of the Islander turboprop aircraft. India’s domestic commuter airline, Spirit Air, has signed a Letter of Intent to purchase six new BN2T-4S Islander aircraft directly from the factory upon completion.
The BN2T-4S Islander is the largest variant of the Islander series and features an extended cabin, allowing for one additional row of seats compared to the standard piston Islander. Powered by twin Rolls-Royce (Allison) Model 250 turboprop engines, the aircraft offers a 22% increase in disposable payload without compromising its renowned short take-off and landing capabilities. The cockpit will be equipped with state-of-the-art Garmin avionics and will be fully IFR capable, including FIKI (flight into known icing). The interior and seating configuration of the aircraft will be tailored to meet Spirit Air’s specific needs as a scheduled commuter airline.
The BN2T-4S Islander has already received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is currently in the process of obtaining certification in India. The aircraft’s suitability for operating in remote and semi-prepared locations makes it an excellent fit for Spirit Air’s intended routes, connecting major airports with grass strips across the country.
Spirit Air, founded by former Air India staff, aims to offer scheduled passenger and perishable cargo services. The airline has obtained its operating license from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, for operating Scheduled Commuter Air Transport services. The incoming fleet of BN2T-4S Islander aircraft will play a vital role in providing sub-regional connectivity between remote grass airstrips and municipal landing strips, facilitating domestic connections and onward travel from India’s primary airports.
As part of the initial delivery plan, Spirit Air will receive four factory-refurbished BN2T-4S Islanders from Britten-Norman to commence operations while the remaining new fleet is being completed at the manufacturer’s recently established UK facility.
Captain S. K. Verma, Managing Partner of Spirit Air, expressed enthusiasm for the new aircraft, emphasizing how the Islander perfectly suits the airline’s needs and highlighting its longstanding use in Indian Aviation. The airline’s commitment to connecting communities and providing safe and efficient travel options even in challenging conditions underscores its dedication to enhancing regional connectivity in India.
The announcement signals a promising future for Spirit Air, with the potential for further fleet expansion, as evident from the airline’s job postings for King Air 250 pilots. This new partnership with Britten-Norman sets the stage for Spirit Air’s ambitious plans to contribute to India’s aviation landscape and provide essential air links to underserved regions within the country.
