Under a Letter of Intent, the aircraft developer, based in the Isle of Wight, will deliver the first twin-engine plane in 2027.

“We are fully committed to the Britten-Norman Islander,” claimed Florian Kruse, CEO at Evia Aero, “The aircraft fulfils all the skills we need as an operator for short-haul flights.

“It is important to us to use a product that is already in use worldwide and has proven itself. With a revised customised carbon design, we will make the aircraft available to our customers.”

William Hynett, Chief Executive at Britten-Norman, added, “The adaptability of the Island aircraft, combined with our commitment to a green future, provides us an opportunity to lead the way in sub-regional, zero-emission aviation.”

In August 2023, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions announced it would convert conventional Britten-Norman Islander aircraft to hydrogen propulsion.

Read more: Cranfield Aerospace Solutions to convert Britten-Norman Islander aircraft to hydrogen

Under Project Fresson, Cranfield had the view of certifying the hydrogen version of the Islander for commercial entry into service in 2026.