B-N Group Ltd (BNG) has announced a new production contract with Romaero S.A Bucharest, Romania. The contract covers Romaero’s completion of 24 further Islander aircraft sets to be delivered over

two years.

BNG and Romaero’s relationship spans nearly 35 years and more than 500 aircraft have been built under

this partnership.

Meanwhile, BNG has announced that its latest Britten-Norman Defender 4000 aircraft has entered into service with the Greater Manchester Police.

The first role for the aircraft has been to undertake policing duties during the Commonwealth Games

in Manchester.

After completing a period of training and familiarisation, the £2.5 million aircraft was put in service to patrol the skies during the Games. It will later be used to combat and detect crime in the region.

The BN Defender 4000, stationed at Manchester Airport, is capable of flying at 25,000 feet at a top speed of 195 miles per hour.

The aircraft will work in conjunction with Greater Manchester Police’s India 99 helicopter in a bid

to improve crime prevention in the area. In the last twelve months, Manchester Police’s own helicopter has flown 3,600 tasks, has been responsible for 400 arrests and the recovery of goods with a value of £1,400,000.

Chief Inspector Peter Keown of GMP’s Air support unit said: “With the ability to fly for longer, carry heavier loads, and to cover greater distances than the force helicopter, the BN Defender is a major asset to GMP’s fight against crime.”