County spirit takes off as airline names plane in honour of airport
AN airline which operates out of Caithness has christened one of its aeroplanes in honour of the county.
Loganair has named one of its aeroplanes Spirit of Caithness to recognise the airline’s long-established links with Wick John O’Groats Airport. It is the third in the Scottish carrier’s 13-strong Saab 340 fleet to undergo a full internal refit as part of a £3.5 million renewal programme.
Loganair has been operating daily services to Edinburgh from Wick for more than 35 years and is only one of two airlines which operate scheduled services from Caithness.
The plane has been refitted, repainted and upgraded at a cost of nearly £270,000.
Loganair’s managing director, Jonathan Hinkles, said the airline takes pride in flying out of rural airports across Scotland.
Mr Hinkles said: “As an airline which serves remote communities across Scotland, it’s extremely fitting to name this plane in honour of Caithness.
“It’s our most northerly operating base on the mainland and the route is a gateway to the rest of the UK and indeed beyond for the people who use it.
“It’s great to see the new colour scheme on the Saab 340 and I’m confident our customers will be pleased with the modernisation of the aircraft’s interior.
“We’re continuing this extensive programme of investment to our fleet and feedback has been really positive.”
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Iain Alexander Gunn, chief of Clan Gunn.
Mr Gunn, of Swiney, Lybster, said it was great to see that the airline values the community it serves by naming one of its fleet in honour of the county.
“It’s fantastic to see Caithness being recognised in this unique way,” he said.
“This airport is really important to people in the region and I think it’s tremendous to have an aircraft christened to reflect this distinct heritage.”
The 54-year-old airline flies 600 services a week.