Scotland

Air Charter Scotland restores Wick-Aberdeen-Wick lifeline air link

Route commences with Beechcraft King Air 200

Air Charter Scotland operated the first of six weekly return flights between Wick to Aberdeen on January 14th, on time, and to schedule, restoring vital connectivity to the far north of Scotland.

The route commenced with the Beechcraft King Air 200 business turboprop, from UK operator DragonFly. A larger Jetstream J32, operated and crewed by AIS Airlines from the Netherlands on a wet lease capacity, which was to have commenced the route, will now take over from March 1st when Home Office/Border Force rules relax on the use of EU operators flying for UK airlines.

Air Charter Scotland, revered in the executive jet market, is underlining its commitment to expanding into regular air service flying as it seeks to add the J32 to its own Air Operator Certificate and expands to A Class operator status.

Wick-Aberdeen PSO commences: Cllr Bremner (centre left) and Derek Thomson (centre right).

“We are delighted to have accomplished the first flights yesterday, as promised and are hugely grateful to fellow on demand operator Dragonfly Executive, their crew and their adaptability in helping us deliver the service as pledged," said Air Charter Scotland COO, Derek Thomson.

"I’d also like to especially thank Head of Licensing David Kendrick and his team at the UK CAA for working closely with us to get this important route up and running so swiftly.”

Passengers enjoyed the King Air experience, he added. “The Beechcraft King Air is legendary in the business aviation world as a trusted, go anywhere turboprop - still in production today and a valued pathfinder to bigger aircraft into the summer.”

Councillor Raymond Bremner, Leader of The Highland Council, Chair of the Wick John O’ Groats Airport Consultative Committee and local member for Wick and East Caithness commented: “Having a reliable air link from the far north to central Scotland is key to growing our local economy, improving connectivity and supporting the sustainability of our communities.

"While we faced an unexpected challenge in recent days, partners have once again worked collaboratively to overcome it and ensure the continuation of this vital service. I would like to thank council officers, Air Charter Scotland and all other agencies and partners for their tireless efforts to ensure services recommence on 14 January 2026.”