Two new aircraft for the Falklands in production at Lee-on-the-Solent aircraft manufacturer
AN AIRCRAFT manufacturer in Lee-on-the-Solent has expanded its production line and is working on two new BN2B-26 Islanders for the Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service.
The investment, approved by the islands’ government, will bring the service’s fleet to a total of six Islanders, which will be used to meet the Falklands’ increasing popularity as a tourist destination.
Passenger numbers have risen from 5,800 in 2011/12 to 8,800 in 2017/18.
The first of the two new aircraft will be delivered by Britten-Norman, which is based at Daedalus, in the summer, with the second scheduled for early 2020.
Grahame Stone, aircraft commercial head at Britten-Norman, said: ‘Britten-Norman has long been a part of the Falkland Islands community, supporting both visitors and the community who rely on the service.
‘We are delighted to support increased operations through the delivery of two new Islanders.
‘Our recent investment in additional hangar space has increased new build line capacity and we look forward to adding this order to our delivery schedule.’