Loganair looking at taking over of Wick-Aberdeen route

Scottish airline Loganair says it is looking into the possibility of taking over the running of a subsidised air service between Wick and Aberdeen.

The flights were operated by Eastern Airways which entered administration last week after the majority of its 330 staff were made redundant.

Wick-Aberdeen is a public service obligation (PSO) route which receives support from the Scottish government and Highland Council.

Simon McNamara, head of government and corporate affairs at Loganair, told BBC Scotland News the airline was examining the costs involved in taking on the route.

Mr McNamara said companies still had to be able to cover their costs on PSO routes.

He said: “We are looking at the numbers and if it works we will step in, but only step in if there is a positive business case to be done.

“So at this stage I cannot say either way, but we are indeed looking at it.”

The Wick-Aberdeen service returned in 2022 after being withdrawn during the Covid pandemic.

Last month, Highland Council said news about Eastern Airways’ financial challenges was “deeply disappointing”.

“Wick airport provides a lifeline service to communities, decreasing inequality of access to healthcare, education and business,” it added.

A spokesperson said the local authority had already submitted a business case to Scottish government agency Transport Scotland.

“This makes the case not only for the continuation of the PSO air services to Wick but for the expansion of provision,” the spokesperson added.

Earlier this year the Scottish government provided a £1m subsidy, topped up by a £300,000 contribution from Highland Council, for the Wick to Aberdeen flights.