Xen Aviation & Services Limited Guyana, headquartered in Georgetown, has completed the acquisition of a Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander aircraft, marking a significant advancement for the company and its mission to enhance regional air connectivity.
The company, established in 2019 and owned by Andron and Ronaldo Alphonso, is part of Adamantium Holdings, a diversified conglomerate involved in mining, construction, agriculture, real estate, and petroleum support services.The BN2T-4S Islander, a turbine-powered variant of the popular Islander series, will serve primarily in Guyana’s domestic market, offering commuter services for local travellers, government officials, and international business passengers. “The BN2T-4S 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 company announced in a statement to the media.
Notably, the aircraft is the first of its kind to operate within Guyana. It offers significant upgrades over the original piston-powered version, featuring 30% more interior space and a maximum take-off weight of up to 8,925 lbs.
Equipped with twin Rolls-Royce 250 B17F engines, each generating 460 hp (flat-rated at 400 hp), the aircraft provides a range of 1,006 nautical miles and an endurance of up to 8 hours, making it ideal for regional flights. With its Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities, the Islander is also designed to handle Guyana’s more challenging terrains, accessing short and unprepared airstrips.
The BN2T-4S comes fitted with a state-of-the-art Garmin G600 TXi glass cockpit, which includes comprehensive electronic engine instrumentation to support cost-effective operations. Certified to carry up to 10 passengers and 2 crew members, the aircraft has been approved by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and meets UK, US, and EU Type Certification standards.
William Hynett, CEO of Britten-Norman, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We are delighted to confirm this order with Xen Aviation, marking the first BN2T-4S Islander to be used for commuter services in Guyana. The aircraft offers exceptional load-carrying capacity while maintaining our 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.”
Additionally, the aircraft has the capability to operate using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aligning with Britten-Norman’s ‘Green Futures’ programme to promote environmentally responsible operations.
With the BN2T-4S Islander, Xen Aviation aims to strengthen its presence in the local aviation sector, delivering efficient and reliable air transport solutions tailored to the diverse needs of Guyana’s landscape and population.
