Intensive rebuild and a 4,000 mile journey delivers Twin Otter aircraft for Alderney
- The first of two refurbished Twin Otter aircraft has arrived in Land’s End.
- The comprehensive rebuild involved several thousand man-hours of work in Canada.
- Modernisations include a new navigation suite and lithium-ion battery system.
- It is set for a final journey to Guernsey in November after checks.
The first of two Twin Otter aircraft which will fly the Alderney route has recently arrived in Land’s End following an extensive rebuilding process that involved thousands of man-hours in Canada.
This aircraft, owned by Skybus and operated in partnership with Aurigny, was flown from Calgary on a 4,000 mile journey after its reconstruction by Rocky Mountain Aircraft.
Every component of the 54 year old plane now named G-NETS, after Gannets Rock, has been renewed in a rebuild that lasted over a year.
The overhaul featured a complete structural rework from nose to tail, new fuselage panels and flooring, treated and reconditioned wings, corrosion protection applied to all interior surfaces, new landing gear, PT6A engines, and new propellers.
It has been fully rewired and outfitted with a Garmin navigation suite, replacing traditional analogue instruments.
Upgrades include a single-screen caution and warning display that substitutes for 40 distinct indicator lights, and the introduction of a lightweight lithium-ion battery system— a first for a UK-registered Twin Otter—aimed at facilitating easier maintenance and enhancing engine starts efficiency.
Chris Roussel, Chief Technical Officer Executive at Aurigny, said, “This aircraft represents an extraordinary achievement in engineering and a significant step forward in the delivery of reliable, sustainable air services for Alderney. The quality of the build is exceptional, effectively creating a ‘as new aircraft’ that will serve our community for many years to come.”
Currently, the aircraft is undergoing final inspections before receiving the Aurigny livery, with plans to make its last journey to Guernsey in November.
A specialist ferry team from Planes & Parts undertook the mission to fly the Twin Otter to Land’s End.
From Olds-Didsbury airfield at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, the journey went via Thompson Airfield in Manitoba; Iqaluit in Newfoundland; Keflavik in Iceland and then through Cardiff to Land's End
The leg from Iqaluit to Keflavik was planned to take nearly eight hours.
When Aurigny announced its collaboration with Skybus to introduce the Twin Otter, it said the operation would begin with two aircraft on 1 November.
Skybus is responsible for providing aircraft, maintenance, crew training, and insurance, alongside offering replacement aircraft during maintenance periods.
Aurigny has said it will maintain its Dornier 228 capacity until the end of the year.
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