A report from the BBC revealed that Loganair is calling for the support of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) with their current struggle with demands for their services plummeting. The PSO order is a government backed agreement that is designed to help and protect air routes that are considered socially, culturally and economically important when they are unable to make a commercial profit.
Loganair Calls for PSO support in Scotland
Loganair is Scotland’s largest regional airline and they have called for new PSO support on routes linking the northern island communities as it becomes more difficult to sustain commercially. After holding discussions with Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL) they have come to the decision to reduce the services from July 19. Loganair has been warning for some time that there are not enough people using its services that used to be daily service between Inverness Airport (INV) and Stornoway Airport (SYY).
Loganair have been losing money on the island services for five or six years, which is why it is seeking a PSO order for additional support. These agreements help maintain these routes and their vitality between remote communities and the mainland, to ensure access throughout it. The airline warns that its key Highland and Island routes are becoming increasingly unstable.
Future of Highland and Island Routes
Rising operational costs and the inconsistency of passenger demand is increasing pressure on these smaller airlines who operate in remote regions. This is causing wider concerns about the future of air services across the UK.
A Loganair spokesperson stated how they are aware of the importance of the services to the communities in which they operate:
“We remain committed to the Highlands and Islands region and are ready to hold further discussions with HIAL, Transport Scotland and other partnerships. If appropriate support emerges, we would welcome the opportunity to return to a full winter timetable,”
The support from the UK or Scottish governments will play a big role in the longevity of Loganair’s services and their proposal could play a significant part in shaping the future of regional services in the highlands and Islands.
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