Falkland Islands boost as UK archipelago set to get new aircraft in major £7.7m deal

The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory (Image: Getty)

The Falkland Islands are set to receive a batch of new aircraft, as the local government continues to modernise its fleet of passenger planes.

A £7.7 million contract has been signed with the aviation company Britten-Norman for four BN2B-26 Islander aircraft.

This will bring the total number of new planes purchased from the Isle of Wight company to six in recent times.

The planes will be operated by the Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service (FIGAS) as it marks 75 years of operations.

FIGAS already possesses a fleet of five Islanders, which serve in a variety of roles and are essential in keeping the Falklands and its more remote communities connected.

The BN2B-26 Islander aircraft (Image: Britten-Norman)

The planes are used primarily for commuting, but also provide essential services for the local residents.

They act as air ambulances and help to deliver mail and packages, as well as being used to transport animals.

In addition, the planes are used to patrol fishing waters and monitor the environment.

The BN2B-26 is perfectly suited for the tough operating conditions in the Falkland Islands.

Commenting on the new purchase order, William Hynett, Chief Executive at Britten-Norman, said: “We are so pleased to have such an incredible opportunity to build a new chapter in our long-standing relationship with the Falkland Islands Government and to continue to support the communities of these important islands.

"Our relationship with FIGAS is an exemplar of the benefits that can be achieved in private/public sector co-operation.

"As one of our most valued long-term partners, we rely on crucial feedback from FIGAS and work hard to use this knowledge to further refine our products and services.”

The Islander is one of the best-selling commercial aircraft types produced in Europe.

Serving customers in more than 100 countries over six continents, the Islander has accumulated around 20 million flight hours providing vital lifelines to small and remote communities.

The new Islander comes equipped as standard with a full IFR glass cockpit, all-window seating, enlarged baggage access, and a higher All Up Mass than the earlier variants.