The Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander for Spirit Air is a powerful and versatile aircraft powered by twin Rolls Royce (Allison) Model 250 turboprop engines.
Britten-Norman, a renowned UK aircraft manufacturer Spirit Air, an India-based domestic commuter airline, has taken a significant step towards enhancing its fleet capabilities by signing a Letter of Intent for the purchase of six factory new BN2T-4S turboprop Islander aircraft. The BN2T-4S Islander is a powerful and versatile aircraft powered by twin Rolls Royce (Allison) Model 250 turboprop engines. One of its key features is an extended cabin, allowing for an extra row of seats compared to the standard piston Islander. With its robust engines offering an impressive 400shp (flat rated), the aircraft boasts a remarkable 22% increase in disposable payload while maintaining exceptional short-field performance.
Being the largest variant of the Islander series, the BN2T-4S successfully achieved type certification with the FAA in late 2022 and has recently obtained validation in New Zealand. Furthermore, the aircraft is currently in the process of being validated in India, as well as in other countries.
Mark Shipp, Technical Director and Head of Design at Britten-Norman said, “The Islander, both piston and turboprop, has a long-established history of operating successfully across India and the surrounding region. Its durability makes it highly suitable for operating into remote, semi-prepared locations and this sets the Islander apart within this class of aviation. The enhanced capabilities of the BN2T-4S will suit Spirit Air’s requirements perfectly, and we are very pleased to be working with them as the first operator of this variant of our great aircraft.”
The new BN2T-4S aircraft will be fully IFR capable, including FIKI (Flight Into Known Icing) capabilities. The cockpit will be equipped with the latest Garmin avionics, featuring Primary Flight Display (PFD), Multi-Function Display (MFD), and electronic engine instrumentation. Additionally, the interior and seating arrangements will be carefully designed to meet Spirit Air’s specific requirements.
As part of their entry into service plan, Spirit Air will initially take delivery of four fully factory refurbished BN2T-4S Islanders while their new fleet of aircraft is being built at Britten-Norman’s recently established UK facility. Spirit Air’s decision to add BN2T-4S Islander aircraft to its fleet aligns with their vision of operating scheduled passenger services across India, providing crucial sub-regional connectivity between remote grass airstrips and municipal sub-regional landing strips with the country’s major airports.
Captain S. K. Verma, Managing Partner of Spirit Air said, “We are pleased to partner with Britten-Norman for the order of new BN2T-4S Islander aircraft in the STOL space for our commuter operations from short, grass airfields located in the districts of India. This aircraft has been used by Indian Navy between 1984 and 1999. We have an eternal commitment to connecting places and people together and strive for providing opportunities to create and live where they want. We will help make important resources available, and we will fly our customers safely and efficiently even where the conditions are difficult.”
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The acquisition of these advanced BN2T-4S Islander aircraft will undoubtedly bolster Spirit Air’s capabilities and strengthen its position as a leading domestic commuter airline in India. With its commitment to efficient and reliable air transport, Spirit Air is well-positioned to contribute to India’s regional connectivity and drive economic growth in the regions it serves.
