Britten-Norman, manufacturer of the iconic Islander aircraft and a key player in aircraft support and modifications, has appointed Ben Smith as Head of Aftermarket to lead its global support strategy and drive aftermarket growth.
Ben joins with more than a decade of experience in technical sales, digital services, and aviation support, having previously led Garmin’s UK and EMEA aviation sales efforts. During his time at Garmin, he worked closely with Britten-Norman, supporting avionics integration programmes – including the rollout of TXi and GTN Xi systems – while working with a wide portfolio of fleet operators, OEMs, MROs, and government clients.
As Head of Aftermarket, Ben will lead Britten-Norman’s global strategy across spares, repairs, upgrades, and operator support. His priorities include modernising internal systems, boosting responsiveness, and delivering customer-focused solutions that maximise the lifetime value of the Islander fleet.
“Joining Britten-Norman at such a transformative time is a real privilege,” said Ben Smith. “This is a brand with deep aviation heritage and an exciting future. I’m looking forward to working with the team to elevate the aftermarket experience, strengthen our relationships with operators worldwide, and help shape the next chapter of the Britten-Norman story.”
Ben is a licensed Private Pilot with a First-Class Honours degree in Aerospace Technology. He is also an alumnus of the RAF’s University of London Air Squadron, where he gained early exposure to military aviation and leadership. With his engineering background, flying experience, and commercial knowledge, Ben understands the challenges operators face and is focused on delivering practical solutions that meet their needs.
“Ben’s appointment marks a key step in Britten-Norman’s commitment to delivering best-in-class support for our global operator community. His extensive understanding of avionics, strong operator relationships, and proven ability to implement customer-focused solutions will be instrumental as we upgrade our systems and expand our aftermarket offering. Our goal is clear: to make operating an Islander more efficient, sustainable, and valuable than ever before” commented Business Development Director, Lara Harrison.
Backed by new investment, Britten-Norman is transforming its support offering to help operators unlock greater efficiency, reliability, and value from their aircraft.
