'Excitement in the air' as talks take place over new Wick/Aberdeen route
Senior management of Eastern Airways paid a flying visit to Wick today for talks about some of the opportunities that will be opened up by the new scheduled link to Aberdeen.
The company's managing director Adam Wheatley and general manager Roger Hage met representatives of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership and Far North Aviation.
The regional airline has been awarded a contract to provide a year-round service between Wick John O’Groats Airport and Aberdeen, starting next month.
The service – which will operate under a public service obligation (PSO) – will provide a direct connection to Aberdeen for three years. It will be funded by Transport Scotland and Highland Council.
Caithness Chamber of Commerce, with funding from Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd, developed the original business case for a PSO.
Chamber chief executive Trudy Morris said: “Today’s meeting was a great opportunity for local partners to meet with key members of the Eastern Airways management team and see in person the aircraft that will shortly be operating the Wick/Aberdeen route.
“There was a clear sense of excitement in the air and a real enthusiasm from all those present to work together to ensure the success of the PSO service.
"Discussions focused not only on the service itself but on the exciting range of opportunities upcoming in the area – from offshore wind to space – and the crucial role that air connectivity will have in enabling those.
“From the very start, the PSO has been about partners working together to deliver a service that works for people and businesses across the north Highlands, and today’s meeting marked a clear continuation of that approach. We look forward to the successful start of flights in April.”
Mr Hage described the visit as "very positive".
He said: "With the twice weekday and Sunday service to Aberdeen beginning on April 11, the very warm welcome and opportunity to develop the close working relationship was evident from all.
“Offering not only the direct service to the Aberdeen hub for those commuting, increased leisure opportunities in both directions and the array on onward connectivity to London Heathrow with BA or Gatwick with easyJet, Amsterdam with KLM, Norway with Wideroe and broad range of sun and tourism destinations with TUI, the vital regional service will help support Caithness in its wider business ambitions with the restored connectivity.”
Eastern Airways will have a phased introduction of flights starting on April 11, with full service starting two weeks later.
Full service includes 24 flights a week from Sunday to Friday, including three Sunday flights – two leaving Aberdeen and one leaving Wick.
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The move will create around 20 new direct and indirect jobs.
Caithness was left without scheduled flights after the loss of the Wick/Edinburgh and Wick/Aberdeen routes in 2020 but the council and Transport Scotland have worked with local stakeholders to reinstate services.
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