Republic of Ireland-based ECT Aviation is launching scheduled freight operations later this year with the addition of services between France and North Africa targeting the time-sensitive market.
The company has acquired a BN2T-4S Islander aircraft to carry out the flights, which will operate on ”high frequency routes” out of Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport (LFLL) and carry cargo to various destinations in North Africa.
ECT said it had partnered with aviation services provider, AVICO, and will focus on high-value, time-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceuticals, artwork, precious metals, and critical documentation.
The company plans to launch operations later this year following delivery of the aircraft in the autumn.
Operations will be conducted under a German Air Operator Certificate (AOC) via Pro Air
In addition to this initial purchase, ECT has signed a Letter of Intent for a second BN2T-4S Islander, scheduled for delivery in early 2026.
"This planned expansion reflects the company’s strategic intent to build a dedicated, regionally focused cargo fleet serving markets that require speed, flexibility, and operational resilience," ECT said in a press release.
The BN2T-4S features twin Rolls-Royce 250 B17F turboprops (400 hp flat-rated), a stretched fuselage, and a 30% increase in internal cabin space.
The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 3.8 tonnes and a range of 805 nautical miles (1,491 km), 7+ hours of endurance, and retains the platform’s STOL (short take-off and landing) capability, making it ideal for remote or unprepared strips.
Fabrice Jounot, managing director at ECT Aviation, said: “We’ve seen consistent demand from clients needing fast, flexible logistics into regions that are underserved by traditional carriers.
"The BN2T-4S offers the right combination of rugged performance and modern avionics to deliver reliable cargo operations, even into short or remote runways. It’s a highly capable platform that supports our strategy to grow specialised air freight between Europe and North Africa.”
