Air Charter Scotland is transitioning from charter-only flying to scheduled operations after securing the Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract for flights between Wick and Aberdeen. The Glasgow-based operator will initiate the route on Jan. 12, 2026, restoring a vital air link that has been suspended since Eastern Airways collapsed back in October. Excluding Saturdays, the service will operate six days a week, with the aircraft based at Wick.
Initially, Air Charter Scotland will wet-lease an 18-seat BAe Jetstream 32 from Dutch operator AIS Airlines – while working towards adding the type to its own air operator certificate (AOC).
A Lifeline Route for Caithness
The PSO contract is currently set to run until the end of March 2026, when funding ceases. However, the Highland Council have indicated it may be extended subject to an extension provided additional funding is approved. Bookings open Jan. 6, 2026, with one-way fairs starting at £74.99. Chief operating officer, Derek Thomson commented:
“We are delighted to have been awarded the Wick-Aberdeen-Wick PSO air service and are proud to support the Caithness community by keeping this vital air link flying, providing a critical lifeline air service the region can be truly proud of.”
Without scheduled flights from Wick; Iverness is the closest mainland airport, roughly 115 kilometers south. The stretch separating these airports highlights how important the service is for local connectivity.
From Charter Specialist to Scheduled Operator
At first founded as a business and private charter operator, Air Charter Scotland has until now focused exclusively on corporate flights. Their UK fleet includes Citation Jet 2, a Citation Latitude, a Legacy 500, and a Legacy 600. While its Maltese subsidiary operates additional midsize jets, including two Challenger 350s and two Citation Excels.
The Wick service marks a shift into scheduled operations by wet-leasing the Jetstream 32 under AIS Airlines’ AOC. Recently, the airline applied for a Type A operating licence and a route licence as part of its move into scheduled services. Air Charter Scotland expects to add the Jetstream 32 to its own certificate within four to six months.
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