Air Charter Scotland will be continuing to operate the Wick-Aberdeen-Wick Public Service Obligation (PSO) route, after successfully bidding to keep ownership of the service.
The operator will run the route until 14 August 2026 using a Jetstream J32 with capacity for 18 passengers. The route is critical in maintaining connectivity between the mainland and Caithness, and the Scottish Government will be providing additional funding to keep the service afloat.
Raymond Bremner, Leader of the Highland Council, noted the optimism of the news in the wake of Eastern Airways’ collapse and the subsequent failure of the previous Wick-Aberdeen route.
He added: “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.”
Photo: Alan Hendry
