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BN-2T Islander Turbo Prop Specifications and Charter Rates

The BN-2T Islander is a twin-engine turboprop designed for short-haul routes, comfortably carrying up to nine passengers and ample cargo to remote destinations and hard-to-reach airfields. Since its introduction in the 1960s, the Islander has become a legendary utility aircraft, trusted for its ruggedness, spacious cabin, and ability to operate from virtually any surface—paved or unpaved.


Whether you’re connecting islands, accessing remote lodges, or supporting bespoke expeditions, the BN-2T Islander is the aircraft of choice for private travelers, corporate teams, and logistics providers alike. This page outlines the Islander’s capabilities, performance, cabin features, and what makes it the go-to solution for flexible, reliable private aviation in challenging environments.

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BN-2T Islander Overview

The BN-2T Islander stands out in the turboprop category for its dependability, short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, and adaptability to both passenger and cargo configurations. With seating for up to nine and a generous interior layout, it offers ease of boarding and in-flight movement even on the shortest runways. Dual Rolls-Royce Model 250 turboprop engines provide efficient, powerful performance, allowing the Islander to reach a service ceiling of 25,000 feet and access airfields that are typically out of reach for most aircraft in its class.


This aircraft’s enduring popularity is a testament to its low operating costs, exceptional field performance, and straightforward maintenance. Operators and private owners alike appreciate its ability to fly where others can’t, making it a steadfast solution for point-to-point regional travel and specialized missions across the globe.


The Islander’s robust construction, paired with its reliable systems and proven track record, continues to make it a leading choice for private flights, air ambulance operations, and VIP charters where flexibility and accessibility are paramount.

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BN-2T Islander Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Turbo Prop

Passenger capacity:

Up to 8 (typical), 9 maximum

Crew:

1 or 2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 869 nautical miles (around 1000 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

158 knots (about 182 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 130 knots

Service ceiling:

25000 fee

Engines:

Two Rolls-Royce Model 250 turboprops

Thrust:

Roughly 420 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 1000 feet

Landing distance:

About 1000 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 50 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 28 cubic feet

First delivered:

1967

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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BN-2T Islander Range and Performance

With a practical range of up to 869 nautical miles, the BN-2T Islander is adept at connecting remote airfields, island chains, or regional cities without the need for refueling. Its short takeoff and landing performance—requiring as little as 1,000 feet of runway—enables direct access to unimproved strips, small airparks, and private estates where most aircraft simply cannot operate. | Typical missions include city pairs such as Nassau to Eleuthera, San Juan to St. Thomas, or regional flights across the Scottish Highlands, all accomplished with confidence and efficiency. The Islander’s 158-knot cruise speed ensures travel is swift, and its robust airframe delivers reliable operations in varied weather and terrain. | Passengers benefit from the flexibility to reach hidden destinations, while operators enjoy minimal downtime thanks to the aircraft’s famously simple and durable systems. For those seeking the ultimate in regional access, the BN-2T Islander is unrivaled.

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BN-2T Islander Cabin Experience and Interior

Step inside the BN-2T Islander and discover a cabin designed for versatility and comfort. With a nearly square cross-section, passengers enjoy generous headroom and ease of movement, and the large doors make boarding and loading baggage effortless even in the most rugged environments. | Standard seating accommodates up to nine in a variety of configurations, from executive layouts to all-cargo or medical evacuation setups. Windows line the cabin, flooding the space with light and offering panoramic views of the passing landscape. | Creature comforts include ergonomic seating, overhead storage, and a quiet, vibration-dampened ride, making even short hops pleasant and productive. The 28 cubic feet of baggage capacity easily swallows golf bags, outdoor gear, or supplies for extended trips, and the straightforward cabin design ensures a welcoming, adaptable atmosphere for any mission.

BN-2T Islander Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a BN-2T Islander typically runs in the range of $1200 to $1700 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and international charter operators and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a BN-2T Islander down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the BN-2T Islander?

The BN-2T Islander fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

While the BN-2T Islander is not suitable for long-range, high-speed travel or luxury transcontinental flights, it excels where access and reliability are crucial. For groups or individuals needing to reach remote destinations, conduct business in hard-to-access regions, or enjoy private leisure travel off the beaten path, the Islander stands alone as the go-anywhere solution.

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How the BN-2T Islander Compares to Other Turbo Prop

The BN-2T Islander was developed in the mid-1960s by Britten-Norman on the Isle of Wight, UK, with the goal of building a rugged, multi-role aircraft for global markets. Its design focused on simplicity, reliability, and the ability to operate from almost any airstrip, which made it an instant favorite for island-hopping, regional airlines, and specialized operators worldwide.


Over 1,250 Islanders have been built, with production still ongoing due to strong demand in remote territories and challenging environments. The introduction of the turboprop-powered BN-2T variant further enhanced its performance, extending its range and payload, and solidifying its reputation as an aviation workhorse that has served everyone from governments to private adventurers for decades.


The Islander’s enduring legacy is its unmatched adaptability—serving as a lifeline for remote communities, a reliable charter platform, and the first choice for those who require performance without compromise. Its ongoing production and robust global support ensure the Islander remains a cornerstone of regional and utility aviation.

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BN-2T Islander History and Background

The BN-2T Islander was developed in the mid-1960s by Britten-Norman on the Isle of Wight, UK, with the goal of building a rugged, multi-role aircraft for global markets. Its design focused on simplicity, reliability, and the ability to operate from almost any airstrip, which made it an instant favorite for island-hopping, regional airlines, and specialized operators worldwide.


Over 1,250 Islanders have been built, with production still ongoing due to strong demand in remote territories and challenging environments. The introduction of the turboprop-powered BN-2T variant further enhanced its performance, extending its range and payload, and solidifying its reputation as an aviation workhorse that has served everyone from governments to private adventurers for decades.


The Islander’s enduring legacy is its unmatched adaptability—serving as a lifeline for remote communities, a reliable charter platform, and the first choice for those who require performance without compromise. Its ongoing production and robust global support ensure the Islander remains a cornerstone of regional and utility aviation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the BN-2T Islander Carry?

The BN-2T Islander typically seats eight to nine passengers, depending on the chosen layout. Flexible cabin configurations allow operators to adapt the aircraft for passenger, cargo, or mixed-use missions, making it exceptionally versatile for varied travel needs.

What Is the Range of the BN-2T Islander?

The BN-2T Islander has a range of approximately 869 nautical miles, or roughly 1000 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the BN-2T Islander Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 158 knots (about 182 mph), with a long-range cruise near 130 knots. The aircraft's 25000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a BN-2T Islander?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $1200 and $1700 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker BN-2T Islander Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes, the Islander’s cabin is designed for easy movement, with ample headroom and wide doors that ensure effortless boarding and in-flight comfort. Its adaptable layout and quiet ride make it well-suited for both business and leisure travelers seeking a practical yet pleasant journey.

Is the BN-2T Islander Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most short-haul regional and island-hopping routes, the BN-2T Islander is ideal. It can connect cities and remote locations within a 900-mile range without a fuel stop, making it a reliable choice for accessing destinations with limited airport infrastructure.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including BN-2T Islander jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 and international charter operators Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the BN-2T Islander, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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