Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander vs Tecnam P2012

The Tecnam P2012 Traveller and Britten-Norman Islander are piston commuter/utility twins — the P2012 is the modern (2018+) 9-11 seat design with current systems; the Islander is the rugged, proven STOL classic with unmatched short/rough-field utility.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander

No active listings right now.

Tecnam P2012
For sale now
6
Model years available
2019–2025

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander Tecnam P2012
Tecnam P2012
View 4 listings →
Median $1,225,000
Price Range $347,500 – $2,102,500
Category Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 9 11
Horsepower 260 HP 375 HP
Cruise Speed 130 kts (241 km/h) 172 kts (319 km/h)
Range 755 nm (1,398 km) 1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Service Ceiling 13,200 ft (4,023 m) 14,000 ft (4,267 m)
Max Gross Weight 8,113 lbs (3,680 kg)
Useful Load 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
Fuel Burn 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) 32.0 GPH (121 L/h)
Engines 2 x Piston 2 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander or Tecnam P2012?

Bottom line: Choose the Islander for genuine STOL, rough-field and island-hopping ruggedness with a huge in-service legacy. Choose the Tecnam P2012 for a modern airframe, current avionics and new-aircraft support on developed strips.

Pick the BN-2 Islander if…

Pick the P2012 if…

  • More seats — 11 vs 9.
  • Faster cruise — 172 kts vs 130 kts.
  • Longer range — 1000 nm vs 755 nm.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander or Tecnam P2012?
It depends on your mission and budget. The BN-2 Islander cruises at 130 kts with 755 nm range. The P2012 cruises at 172 kts with 1,000 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander and Tecnam P2012?
Seats: 9 vs 11. Cruise: 130 vs 172 kts. Range: 755 vs 1000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
BN-2 Islander: 9 seats / 2,500 lb useful load. P2012: 11 seats / 2,500 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data