I flew an Airvan for para dropping for a season when they first arrived in the UK. It was certainly an improvement on the 206 we used to have but was let down by its lack of power and poor climb rate above FL80 although I believe there is a turbo version available now.
Do the weight and balance carefully and don't be tempted to trade off too much fuel to lift that extra jumper. The trouble with the Airvan is that it has the space of an Islander but it really won't do the job of an Islander in spite of what the salesman might tell you.
If you fly out of a small strip, use the correct VREF (as I am sure you always do) - it will float and float if you don't. Finally, watch out for jumpers crowding in and around the exit. That wide door is ideal for group exits but four in the door and two on the step can and has resulted in a couple of stall/spin scenarios that I know of. Enjoy!
Ap