Air Charter Scotland Secures Continuation of Wick-Aberdeen-Wick PSO Route

Why It Matters

The route is a critical transport link for Caithness, supporting local businesses, the oil‑and‑gas industry, and community mobility; continued funding stabilises regional air access and rebuilds passenger confidence after the previous operator’s collapse.

Key Takeaways

• Funding extends Wick‑Aberdeen service to August 2026
• Air Charter added 18‑seat Jetstream in March
• Route runs Monday‑Friday and Sunday
• Council seeks further north‑Scotland connectivity beyond 2026
• Service restores passenger confidence after Eastern Airways exit

Pulse Analysis

Public service obligation routes like Wick‑Aberdeen‑Wick are essential for remote regions where road or rail options are limited. When Eastern Airways ceased operations in October 2025, the loss threatened vital connections for Caithness, affecting everything from medical appointments to oil‑field logistics. Air Charter Scotland stepped in quickly, deploying a Beechcraft King Air 200 to maintain service continuity and later expanding capacity with an 18‑seat Jetstream J32, signalling a commitment to meet both business and leisure demand.

The Scottish government’s decision to allocate extra funds through August 2026 underscores the strategic importance of the route. By ensuring daily flights, the funding supports the oil and gas sector’s workforce mobility, boosts tourism in the Highlands, and provides reliable links for local enterprises. The timetable adjustment planned for late March, driven by passenger feedback, reflects a data‑centric approach to optimizing load factors and enhancing the route’s financial sustainability, while also reinforcing the region’s economic resilience.

Looking ahead, Highland Council’s push for a post‑2026 business case highlights a broader ambition to embed robust air connectivity into Scotland’s transport policy. If the council’s proposal gains Transport Scotland’s backing, the route could see further capacity upgrades or additional destinations, fostering greater integration with national and international networks. This proactive stance not only safeguards regional development but also sets a precedent for how public‑private partnerships can sustain essential services in sparsely populated areas.