Britten-Norman (Bembridge) signed a strategic sales agreement with the Beijing Fangyuan General Aviation Co. during the Royal Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford this week.

Under the terms of the deal, the Chinese firm will actively promote and sell the BN-2 Islander to typically small, regional Chinese airlines with a need for a portfolio of aircraft types to meet their short-haul, high-frequency demands.

“China is one of the few countries in the world that has yet to enjoy the benefits that the Islander and its associated equipment has to offer, and as such we are very pleased to be entering into this new agreement," Britten-Norman Chief Executive William Hynett said during the ceremony.

“Beijing Fangyuan General Aviation Co Ltd has a proven reputation and track record in the region and a strong desire to grow the general aviation business in China. Initial signs are already very positive and with BFGA’s support we are hoping to turn this early interest into positive sales. We also hope that over time we can further evolve our relationship into a distribution agreement and long-term partnership for the supply of Islanders into the region.”

Although designed in the 1960s, more than 750 Islanders are still in service with commercial operators around the world.