Britten-Norman delivers Islander to the Falkland Islands

Britten-Norman delivered the first of two new Islander’s to the Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service (FIGAS) today, on 7 December. The Islander will be used in a variety of roles, including to meet the Falkland Islands’ increasing popularity as a holiday destination.

FIGAS is Britten-Norman’s Southern-most operator and has employed Islanders since the 1970s. The current fleet of four Islanders serve in a variety of roles and are essential in keeping the Falklands and some of its more remote communities connected.

The new Islander’s registration honours Sir Miles Clifford, whose name has been inscribed above the pilot’s door. As Governor of the Falkland Islands he was responsible for the launch of the air service in 1948. The service, which became FIGAS, was originally aimed at providing medical evacuation capabilities but it soon broadened to include mail delivery and passenger flight services.

Sir Miles Clifford was a veteran of both World Wars and recipient of the French Resistance Medal. In 1946 he became Governor and Commander in Chief of the Falkland Islands, a post he held until 1954. Sir Miles was responsible for many structural reforms in the Falklands.