Malta-based SJC Group, the holding company for Medilink International Air Ambulance and rotary aeromedical operator Gulf Med Aviation Services, has signed a letter of intent with UK aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman for two factory new Islander aircraft, with an option for a third.

The two Islander aircraft will be used by SJC Group to establish a new company focused on building a fleet of fixed wing aircraft, intended to be used as transport aircraft for routes in the Mediterranean, Europe and north Africa. The aircraft’s low operating cost, STOL performance and high availability rates have made the Islander the ideal solution for Gulf Med Aviation Services’ opportunities.

When acquiring its two conventionally powered Islanders, SJC Group has included options to upgrade the aircraft, joining Britten-Norman’s Green Futures scheme that gives operators the opportunity to trade back their conventional aircraft for the next generation zero carbon hydrogen-powered Islander, scheduled to enter service from late 2026.

The Islander has operated successfully around the islands of Malta and Gozo for a number of years as as littoral patrol aircraft for the Maltese government. The aircraft provides a lifeline service for SAR operations around the island group’s 200 miles of coastline.

The two aircraft will be among the first to be manufactured at Britten-Norman’s UK production facilities at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight and Solent Airport Daedalus and will be supported from Britten-Norman’s Malta base. As the OEM is a Garmin-approved dealer, all new Britten-Norman Aircraft are installed with the latest in glass cockpit technology. The aircraft manufacturer will also facilitate the training and development of Gulf Med pilots, maintenance and ground staff from its own MRO and training facilities in Malta.

Simon Camilleri, chairman of SJC Group, says: “We are very pleased to announce our first order with Britten-Norman, our neighbours at Safi Aviation Park, and we are pleased to announce plans for a new Maltese-owned aviation business. Britten-Norman is a great partner and has proven market leading aircraft in the STOL space with over 50 years of experience. Its commitment to evolving its product to zero carbon is perfectly aligned with our vision.”

Britten-Norman chief executive William Hynett adds: “Having made a commitment to develop our own operations in Malta, we are really pleased to have been introduced to SJC Group and are looking forward to working in close partnership to support its plans. The Islander is the ideal aircraft to complement SJC Group’s expansion into fixed wing operations, and our planned introduction of the hydrogen Islander will further assist in supporting SJC Group to deliver sustainable aviation to Malta and the Mediterranean.”