—New aircraft to boost domestic connectivity and hinterland aviation services

XEN Aviation & Services Limited has expanded its fleet with the arrival of Guyana’s first Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander aircraft, a move the company says will significantly enhance its domestic aviation capabilities and support growing demand for air transport services across the country.
The aircraft landed at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle and is expected to be deployed into service as part of the company’s ongoing expansion plans.
Headed by Guyanese businessman Ronaldo Alphonso, Xen Aviation said the acquisition marks a major milestone for the company as it seeks to strengthen air connectivity between coastal and hinterland communities while broadening its range of aviation services.
Speaking on the significance of the acquisition, Alphonso said the aircraft will provide the company with greater operational flexibility and capacity.
“This new aircraft significantly expands the services and capabilities of Xen Aviation. As a company, we are currently expanding, and we remain committed to continuing to offer more services to the Guyanese community. The arrival of this aircraft gives us greater capacity, flexibility and reach as we prepare to serve more communities and customers across Guyana,” he said.
The BN2T-4S Islander is the largest and most powerful variant in Britten-Norman’s Islander range and is the first of its type to operate in Guyana. Compared with the traditional piston-engine Islander, the aircraft offers approximately 30 per cent more interior space and a significantly higher maximum take-off weight of 8,925 pounds.
Powered by twin Rolls-Royce 250 B17F engines, the aircraft can travel up to 1,006 nautical miles and remain airborne for up to eight hours. Its ability to operate on short and unprepared airstrips makes it particularly suitable for Guyana’s interior regions, where aviation remains a critical mode of transportation.
The aircraft is configured to accommodate up to 12 seats and features a modern Garmin glass cockpit system, providing advanced flight and engine monitoring capabilities aimed at improving operational efficiency and safety.
According to Xen Aviation, the aircraft recently received Type Acceptance from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), allowing it to enter service locally. The model is already certified in several major aviation markets, including the United Kingdom, European Union and United States.
Alphonso noted that the aircraft aligns closely with the company’s vision of delivering improved aviation services across Guyana.
“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. It will allow us to better serve everyday commuters, government agencies, international business operators and other customers who require reliable air services at a competitive price,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of Britten-Norman, William Hynett, welcomed the aircraft’s deployment in Guyana, describing it as an important milestone for both companies.
“We are delighted to confirm this order with Xen Aviation & Services Inc., marking a significant milestone as the first BN2T-4S Islander to be used for commuter services in Guyana,” Hynett said.
He added that the aircraft combines strong load-carrying capability with the Islander’s renowned short take-off and landing performance, making it well suited to Guyana’s operating environment.
The BN2T-4S also forms part of Britten-Norman’s ongoing “Green Futures” programme and is expected to have the capability to operate using Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the future.
With the aircraft now in Guyana, Xen Aviation is expected to begin deploying it on domestic routes as part of its wider strategy to improve aviation access, connectivity and service options across the country.