Republic of Ireland-based ECT Aviation has taken delivery of its first Britten-Norman BN2T-4S Islander, marking its expansion into dedicated cargo operations between Europe and North Africa.

The turboprop freighter will support high-frequency routes, initially connecting Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport with key North African destinations.

Operations will focus on transporting high-value, time-critical cargo such as pharmaceuticals, artwork, precious metals, and essential documents.

The new service will launch by late 2025 and is being developed in partnership with aviation services provider AVICO. Flights will operate under a German Air Operator Certificate (AOC) held by Pro Air.

ECT Aviation, headquartered at Lyon Bron Business Airport and registered in Dublin, currently operates a Pilatus PC-12 NGX, primarily serving business aviation and MEDEVAC missions across Europe. The addition of the BN2T-4S represents the company’s first step into scheduled cargo services.

Alongside this initial acquisition, ECT Aviation has signed a Letter of Intent for a second BN2T-4S Islander, expected for delivery in early 2026. The move underscores the company’s ambition to establish a regionally focused freight fleet designed to serve markets that demand speed, flexibility, and operational reliability.

The BN2T-4S Islander, the largest variant of Britten-Norman’s rugged utility platform, is powered by twin Rolls-Royce 250 B17F turboprops and features a stretched fuselage offering 30% more cabin volume. With a maximum take-off weight of 8,500 lbs, a range of 805 nautical miles (1,491 km), and over seven hours of endurance, the aircraft retains its hallmark short take-off and landing (STOL) performance—well suited for operations from remote or unprepared runways.

The aircraft will be equipped with the Garmin G600 TXi avionics suite, featuring 10-inch primary displays, GTN 750/650Xi NAV/COMM/GPS units, and ADS-B Out capability, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and enhanced situational awareness.

Fabrice Jounot, managing director at ECT Aviation, said: “We’ve seen consistent demand from clients needing fast, flexible logistics into regions that are underserved by traditional carriers. The BN2T-4S offers the right combination of rugged performance and modern avionics to deliver reliable cargo operations, even into short or remote runways.

“It’s a highly capable platform that supports our strategy to grow specialised air freight between Europe and North Africa.”

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