Airport report says Twin Otter is not economically viable for Montserrat

Both the Twin Otter Series 300 and new Series 300G lack the payload capacity required for cost-effective operations in Montserrat, according to an independent report.

However, the Britten Norman (BN) Islander piston engine models both have capability to operate successfully, the 83-page assessment says.

Energy Aviation Services, which provides advisory services to the regional aviation community, conducted a study into the viability of various aircraft operating at John A Osborne Airport in 2023.

Among the aircraft it looked at were the DHC-6 Twin Otter, BN2 Islander, Cessna Caravan, Daher Kodiak 100, Pilatus PC12 and Tecnam P2012 STOL aircraft.

The study was conducted using performance assumptions based on International Civil Aviation Organization standards and recommended practices.

BN Islander

The government shared the final report, with an overview of the airport, each aircraft, new technologies and operating costs, on its Facebook page on 21 January.

In its summary, Energy Aviation Services said the BN Islander piston engine models both have capability to operate successfully in Montserrat although the climb of the BN2B-26 model is limited.

The bigger wingspan BN2B-20 model has more consistent performance but its capabilities are somewhat compromised by its heavier empty weight, the report said.

Meanwhile, the BN2T turbine Islander shows good take-off performance capabilities but is poor when considering wet landing cases with low headwind components, it added.

Both Fly Montserrat and SVG Air use BN Islander aircraft to transport passengers in and out of Montserrat.

The Tecnam P2012 STOL, which at the time of this analysis was at the final stages of certification, also appears to have suitable performance capabilities based upon the data supplied, it said.

Not feasible

The report said the Twin Otter Series 300 and new Series 300G do not have enough payload capability to offer economic operations, both being limited on take-off and landing.

The single engine turboprop types included in the study – the Cessna Caravan, Daher Kodiak 100 and Pilatus PC12 – also do not have sufficient performance capability to offer airline service to Montserrat.

They are significantly limited by their landing performance, however, it may be feasible for them to land as a private flight and depart as a commercial flight such as an air ambulance, the report continued.

It went on to say that the direct operating cost comparison in the study shows that new aircraft may not deliver better economics than used aircraft.

Similarly, larger aircraft may not have more favourable economics than smaller aircraft – there is no clear cut advantage for any given type economically.

The report can be read in full here.

Extended timeline

In January 2023, the Governor’s Office commissioned Energy Aviation Services to complete the study on aircraft viability at John A Osborne Airport in Montserrat.

Nothing further was mentioned until April 2024, when a spokesperson from the Governor’s Office told Montserrat Focus that the report was “expected in the next few weeks”.

Once received, they said, UK’s Air Safety Support International (ASSI) would review the assessment before it was made public.

On 8 October, following repeated requests for an update, a spokesperson from the Governor’s Office said the report had been received and shared with the Ministry of Communication, Works, Labour and Energy.

They added: “However, there is a live tender process at present in air access and so nothing can be released during this period.”

In early January, Montserrat Focus contacted the Governor’s Office again, and a spokesperson stated that it was up to the ministry to decide “when and how much of the report they wish to make public”.

The report, dated June 2024 was published by the government on 21 January. It states that it was initially presented to the “client” for review in October 2023.