First mission completed in Saudi Arabia
Britten-Norman, the manufacturer of the iconic Islander aircraft, has launched the Global Aircraft Recovery (GAR) service, delivered in collaboration with specialist partners including Avitrius Air International.
The service has already proven its capability in the field: its first mission saw a stranded Islander successfully recovered from Saudi Arabia, navigating complex airspace restrictions and the operational challenges of a region experiencing active conflict, before being returned over 2,500 miles to Britten-Norman’s MRO facility in the UK.
Hundreds of Islander aircraft operate daily across more than 70 countries worldwide, many in locations where environmental conditions, logistics, infrastructure and, at times, geopolitical instability make recovery exceptionally complex.
The service is designed to provide operators with a coordinated, reliable response when aircraft are grounded due to operational damage, environmental factors or deteriorating conditions on the ground.
Recovery mission
The service’s first recovery mission centred on a Britten-Norman BN2A-21 Islander that had been stranded in Saudi Arabia. Working alongside Avitrius Air International, the team secured the necessary permits, navigated airspace restrictions subject to rapid change due to ongoing regional tensions, and coordinated the logistics required to complete the 2,500-mile ferry flight back to the UK, a mission that demonstrates the service’s ability to operate where it is needed most.
Through GAR, Britten-Norman works with a network of specialist partners to deploy experienced engineering teams for on-site assessment, logistics coordination, and the implementation of repair or ferry solutions.
Matching reality
“Islanders are chosen because they go where others can’t, and our support needs to match that reality. the OEM, we can also help owners take the next step: whether that is refurbishment, remarketing, or a trade-in path that keeps operations moving,” stated Lara Harrison, Business Development Director, Britten-Norman.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Britten-Norman on this programme and look forward to supporting operators worldwide who need a dependable route back to service,” added William Sheppard, Executive Director, Avitrius Air International.
