Xen Aviation & Services Limited Guyana, which is based in Georgetown, has finalized the acquisition of a Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander aircraft, marking a significant milestone for the company.
The aircraft, a turbine-powered variant of the Islander series, is set to support Xen Aviation’s mission to enhance regional connectivity and provide commuter services across the country. The company, owned by Andron and Ronaldo Alphonso, began operations in 2019 and is part of Adamantium Holdings, conglomerate which is involved in mining, construction, agriculture, real estate, and petroleum production support.
In a release to the media yesterday the company stated that “The BN2T-4S Islander will be utilized primarily for commercial air transportation in Guyana’s domestic market, catering to everyday commuters, government officials, and international business travelers” and while expressing confidence in the aircraft the release stated “We believe this variant of the Islander is a perfect fit for our mission to introduce superior safety, comfort, and choice to the Guyana aviation market, all at a competitive price”, the release added.
The BN2T-4S is the first of its kind to operate in Guyana. It features a significant upgrade over the original piston-powered version, with 30% more interior space and a maximum take-off weight of up to 8,925 lbs. Powered by twin Rolls-Royce 250 B17F engines, each generating 460 hp (flat-rated at 400 hp), the aircraft offers a range of 1,006 nautical miles (1,863 km) and an endurance of up to 8 hours. The Islander’s renowned Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) performance allows it to operate from challenging conditions into short, unprepared landing strips.
The aircraft comes equipped with a state-of-the-art Garmin glass cockpit based on the G600 TXi series, including full electronic engine instrumentation, which is expected to help reduce operating costs. Certified to carry up to 10 passengers and 2 crew members, the Islander also meets UK, US, EU and other countries Type Certification standards, with approval from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority recently obtained to ensure its readiness for local operations.
Britten-Norman’s CEO, William Hynett, commented on the significance of the acquisition, “We are delighted to confirm this order with Xen Aviation, marking the first BNT-4S Islander to be used for commuter services in Guyana. The aircraft offers exceptional load-carrying capacity while maintaining our well-renowned STOL performance. I am excited to see this aircraft thrive in its new role with Xen Aviation, providing essential services to the people of Guyana.”
The aircraft will also have the option to operate using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aligning with Britten-Norman’s ‘Green Futures’ programme to support environmentally conscious operations.
With the addition of the BN2T-4S Islander, Xen Aviation aims to expand its footprint in the local aviation sector, providing reliable and efficient air transport solutions across the country’s diverse landscapes.
