....any accountant would love them!
A fallacy.
Where the operation dictates an aircraft of the capacity and capability of the Islander - e.g. STOL bush operations - there is very little to compare to a BN2 except perhaps, a C206, which has lower seat/mile costs. Certainly, DHC6 and particularly C208 seat/mile costs are significantly lower than BN2 seat/mile costs.
On normal, non STOL operations, the Islander seat/mile costs are far higher than similar capacity twin engine aircraft, particularly if one takes to account aircraft speed, the high cost of maintenance and limited major component life. And the inevitable buckled wings! And cracked engine mounts! And corrosion in the lower wing skin laminates! And.....
Horses for courses! They do the job they were intended to do, but at a cost penalty.
