Wick - Aberdeen PSO Procurement Process Launches

Expectations are high that a new operator for the Wick – Aberdeen PSO service will be secured very soon.

Today the Emergency Tender has gone live, giving prospective operators 72 hours to apply. An announcement on the new operator is expected to be made next Thursday.

The contract will initially be for 4 months with an option to be extended subject to funding.

The Highland Council and local stakeholders view this service as an economic lifeline.

Council Leader and Chair of the Wick Airport Steering Group, Cllr Raymond Bremner said: “Since Eastern Airways pulled out of delivering the PSO on the 27 October with no prior notice, the focus of all stakeholders has been very much on getting flights back up in the air as soon as possible.”

“The Wick to Aberdeen flights provide crucial connectivity between north Highland and the central belt and our priority is to reinstate the service as quickly as possible, for the benefit of local businesses and the wider community.

“While this need of an Emergency Tender is a setback, it doesn't affect our commitment to securing the service in the next financial year, and we have already submitted a business case to Transport Scotland.”