Air Charter Scotland secures year-round PSO route on Aberdeen and Wick

Air Charter Scotland is delighted to welcome the Scottish Government's continued investment in Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services from Wick John O'Groats Airport, securing a full year of essential regional connectivity with Aberdeen, while introducing a new service between Wick and Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city - and Air Charter Scotland’s home. Tickets go on sale next week for an enhanced network that includes weekly return services between Wick and Aberdeen and three weekly return services between Wick and Glasgow, covering the period 15 August 2026 to 14 August 2027.

Following a competitive tender process led by The Highland Council, Air Charter Scotland was successful in retaining the contract first awarded in January this year.  It will continue to work with AIS Airlines as operating partner with their 18-seat BAe Jetstream 32 aircraft.The enhanced contract reflects the collaborative efforts of Transport Scotland, The Highland Council, Air Charter Scotland, AIS Airlines, HIAL and regional stakeholders, all working together to deliver sustainable, dependable air connectivity. 

The new Glasgow service addresses a long-standing demand from the local community and providing new opportunities for business, healthcare, tourism and economic growth, according to The Highland Council.

Derek Thomson, COO, Air Charter Scotland commented: “Since taking over the service in January, our focus has been simple.  Deliver a reliable operation, provide exceptional customer service and build trust within the communities.  The continued confidence shown by The Highland Council and Scottish Government is something we're very proud of and it reflects the dedication of our entire team and our strong partnership with AIS Airlines. The introduction of Wick–Glasgow is particularly exciting. It will provide even greater opportunities for residents and businesses across the North Highlands; improved access to Scotland's Central Belt, while maintaining the essential Aberdeen service that supports onward domestic and international travel. Now Air Charter Scotland has become established serving scheduled service operations its future focus will be on determining future aircraft types.  We are already starting to talk with regional aircraft lessors and OEMs with vigour. In the meantime, we continue to listen to customer feedback, delivering the high standards of reliability, professionalism and customer care that passengers have come to expect."

1,800 passengers carried on Wick-Aberdeen since January

Since taking over the Wick–Aberdeen service in January 2026, initially with a King Air 200, Air Charter Scotland has flown approximately 1,800 passengers.  Working closely with AIS Airlines, The Highland Council, Transport Scotland, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) and local stakeholders, it has delivered a stable and reliable service that has rebuilt passenger confidence, following a challenging period for regional aviation. 

Its service connects patients with healthcare appointments, businesses with customers and supply chains; students with educational opportunities and families with loved ones, while supporting tourism, inward investment and the wider regional economy. 

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn welcomed the continuation of the service, recognising the importance of maintaining connectivity for businesses and communities across Caithness.  He highlighted the improved reliability achieved since Air Charter Scotland assumed responsibility for the route earlier this year and reaffirmed the Scottish Government's commitment to supporting rural air connectivity for Wick John O'Groats Airport.

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Raymond Bremner described the continued funding as a demonstration of the shared commitment between The Highland Council and Transport Scotland to maintaining essential connectivity for the region. The introduction of flights to Glasgow meets a long-standing aspiration for improved links with Scotland's Central Belt.  It will create new opportunities for business, healthcare, tourism and onward connectivity, he added.

Arend van der Meer, Chief Executive Officer of AIS Airlines, stated: "We are proud to continue our partnership with Air Charter Scotland in delivering this important regional air service. This contract extension reflects the confidence placed in our combined operational performance and the dedication of our teams, who work daily to provide safe, reliable and efficient services for the communities of Caithness.  We look forward to building on the strong foundations established over the past seven months and continuing to support this vital regional connectivity."