Privately-owned British aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman has scored another order for its Islander aircraft. SJC Group, a Maltese group of companies including Medilink International Air Ambulance and Gulf Med Aviation Services, placed an order for the twin-engine plane last week.
The announcement comes nearly a month after Britten-Norman celebrated 58 years since the Islander first took flight. SJC Group also has included options to receive the next-generation Islander, powered by hydrogen fuel.
New planes for a new business
Britten-Norman and SJC Group signed a letter of intent to order two factory-new Islander aircraft with an option for a third on July 6th. According to the manufacturer, the aircraft will be used in a new company SJC Group plans to establish. The company will focus on operating a fleet of fixed-wing aircraft to fly routes throughout the Mediterranean, Europe, and North Africa. Simon Camilleri, the Chairman of SJC Group, commented on the aircraft order.
“We are very pleased to announce our first order with Britten-Norman our neighbours at Safi Aviation Park. We are pleased to announce plans for a new Maltese owned aviation business. Britten-Norman are great partners and have proven market leading aircraft in the STOL space with over 50 years of experience. Their commitment to evolving their product to zero carbon is perfectly aligned with our vision.”
Photo: Britten-Norman
The Islander is known for its low operating cost, STOL performance, and high availability rates, according to Britten-Norman. Its qualifications have also positioned the aircraft to be a suitable fit for SJC Group’s Gulf Med Aviation operation.
A first time for everything
The two aircraft will also be one of the first to be manufactured at Britten-Norman’s production facilities in Bembridge, a village in the Isle of Wight, and at Solent Airport Daedalus in England. Britten-Norman’s base in Malta will support the production. William Hynet, the manufacturer’s Chief Executive, spoke about the new partnership with SJC Group.
“Having made a commitment to develop our own operations in Malta, we are really pleased to have been introduced to SJC Group and are looking forward to working in close partnership to support their plans. The Islander is the ideal aircraft to complement SJC Group’s expansion into fixed wing operations and our planned introduction of the hydrogen Islander will further assist in supporting SJC Group deliver sustainable aviation to Malta and the Mediterranean.”
Photo: Britten-Norman
For several years, the Maltese Government has successfully operated the Islander as a littoral patrol aircraft around the islands of Malta and Gozo. Additionally, it performs search and rescue operations along 200 miles of coastline.
A green future
SJC Group will receive two conventionally powered Islanders, but the company has also selected the option to join Britten-Norman’s Green Futures scheme. The initiative is a direct result of the manufacturer merging with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions to develop a new company to accelerate the production of zero-emissions aircraft, bringing them to service in the next three years.
By selecting the Green Futures scheme, SJC Group will have the opportunity to trade in their conventional aircraft in exchange for the next generation zero carbon hydrogen-powered Islander that will be developed, according to Britten-Norman. The new greener aircraft variant will enter service in late 2026.