Scotland

Air Charter Scotland secures continuation of Wick-Aberdeen-Wick PSO route through to end of August

Air Charter Scotland learned this week they have been successful in their bid to continue operating the Wick-Aberdeen-Wick Public Service Obligation (PSO) route, through to 14 August, 2026.

This follows formal agreement from Scotland’s Ministers to allocate additional funds for the lifeline service connecting the community of Caithness with the mainland.

“We are delighted with the news today,” said Air Charter Scotland COO Derek Thomson, noting the timetable will be adjusted at the end of March in line with feedback from leisure passengers and the oil and gas sector.

On 1 March, the original King Air 200 service was bolstered with the Jetstream J32 offering 18 seats, operating Monday to Friday, plus Sunday.

The Jetstream J32 Wick-Aberdeen-Wick service assured through to mid August

The Jetstream J32 Wick-Aberdeen-Wick service assured through to mid August | Photography: Alan Hendry

Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie commented: “I am pleased to confirm additional funding for the Wick to Aberdeen air service until 14 August 2026, providing important connectivity for businesses and communities across Caithness.

"The Scottish Government fully recognises the economic and social importance of rural connectivity in Scotland. In December, I was pleased to reaffirm our continued support for the Wick to Aberdeen air service and this additional funding is further confirmation of that commitment."

Leader of the Highland Council Raymond Bremner added: “I am delighted that Ministers have elected to continue funding this vital, lifeline air service for the full seven months. The demise of Eastern Airways and subsequent failure of the previous Wick-Aberdeen route resulted in a real blow to passenger confidence, and Air Charter Scotland have done a fantastic job in their first few weeks of operation to regain confidence and grow numbers on the route.

Extending the PSO to August will give the Council and Air Charter Scotland a real opportunity to promote and grow the route even further, especially with the introduction of increased capacity from 1 March 2026.

While welcome news, the Council still believes there is a requirement for lifeline air connectivity to the north of Scotland beyond August 2026. We have presented a Full Business Case to Transport Scotland laying out the key social and economic rationale for this and remain hopeful of a positive funding decision soon.”