Britten-Norman, the manufacturer of the Islander aircraft and provider of aircraft support and modifications, has appointed Ben Smith as Head of Aftermarket to oversee its global support strategy and drive growth in the aftermarket sector.
Smith brings over a decade of experience in technical sales, digital services and aviation support, having previously led Garmin’s aviation sales across the UK and EMEA. At Garmin, he worked closely with Britten-Norman on avionics integration programmes – including the introduction of TXi and GTN Xi systems – while also supporting a wide range of fleet operators, OEMs, MROs and government clients.
As Head of Aftermarket, Smith will oversee Britten-Norman’s global strategy for spares, repairs, upgrades and operator support. His key priorities will be to modernise internal systems, enhance responsiveness and deliver 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.”
Smith is a licensed private pilot with a First-Class Honours degree in Aerospace Technology. He is also an alumnus of the RAF University of London Air Squadron, where he gained early exposure to military aviation and leadership. Combining his engineering background, flying experience and commercial expertise, he has a strong understanding of the challenges faced by operators and is committed to delivering practical, customer-focused solutions.
“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.
