Successful Wick - Aberdeen air service operator announced

24th December 2025

Following an emergency procurement process launched on 18 November, The Highland Council is pleased to announce that Air Charter Scotland has been successful in taking over the Wick - Aberdeen air service. The contract will start on 12 January 2026 and run until 31 March 2026 with an option to be extended subject to funding.

The replacement service will operate six days a week, using an 18-seat Jetstream 32 aircraft based in Wick. This will allow for an improved timetable offering with early-morning departures from Wick from Monday-Thursday, ensuring that passengers will arrive in time for business and healthcare opportunities at their destination and maximising opportunities for connecting to onward flights from Aberdeen. Fridays will see an early evening departure from Wick and Sundays a late afternoon return from Aberdeen, timed to fit weekend leisure and commuting opportunities.

Booking systems are being brought online and passengers will be able to book tickets from £74.99 one way soon after Christmas - further information will be made available as soon as bookings are live.

The Highland Council had a contract with Eastern Airways to operate air services between Wick and Aberdeen under a Public Service Obligation (PSO). However, Eastern Airways pulled out of delivering the PSO on the 27 October with no prior notice. It subsequently appointed an administrator on 13 November Since then, the focus of all stakeholders has been getting a new operator in place and seeing flights back up and running as soon as possible.

The Highland Council remains committed to delivering the service as a lifeline for the region and recognises the importance of affordable, accessible transport to those living in, working in, and visiting the area.

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Raymond Bremner who is also Chair of the Wick John O' Groats Airport Consultative Committee and a local member for Wick and East Caithness, said: "Having a reliable air link from the far north to central Scotland is key to growing our local economy, improving communication and contributing to tackling the challenge of sustaining our communities and population growth.

He added: "My thanks go especially to council officers who have been working closely with the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland to turn around the emergency procurement process so swiftly. I'd also like to thank all stakeholders for their input and support during what has been a challenging time for the PSO.

"I wish Air Charter Scotland every success as they take over responsibility for delivering this life-line service. They have shown great flexibility and willingness to work with us throughout the procurement process, the results of which are clear in the delivery of a significantly improved timetable for the service using a Wick-based aircraft.

“I am confident that this positive relationship will continue throughout the contract. It's now vitally important that we maintain and increase local support for the PSO route in order that we continue to ensure its future going forward."

Derek Thomson, Chief Operating Officer at Air Charter Scotland said: “Air Charter Scotland Ltd is delighted to have been awarded the Wick-Aberdeen–Wick PSO air service. We are proud to support the people of the Caithness community by keeping this vital air link flying and providing a service the region can truly be proud of. This has been a real team effort in a relatively short space of time, with many people and organisations working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this possible. We look forward to serving the local community."

Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie said: “I am pleased that the Wick to Aberdeen air service will restart in January, providing important connectivity for businesses and communities in the Caithness area.

“Alongside Highland Council, I would like to thank all involved in re-establishing this service at pace. The Scottish Government fully recognises the economic and social importance of rural connectivity in Scotland, and I recently met with the Leader of Highland Council to reaffirm our continued support for this route.

“I look forward to the resumption of this air service next year and hope the improved timetable that Highland Council has secured will translate into more passengers."

Schedule of Services

The following schedule shall operate from 12 January 2026, subject to final timings being agreed with airports:

WIC → ABZ (Mon – Thurs) Depart 08:00 Arrive 08:55
•
ABZ → WIC Depart 09:30 Arrive 10:25

WIC → ABZ (Fri) Depart 18:00 Arrive 18:55
•
ABZ → WIC Depart 19:30 Arrive 20:25
•
WIC → ABZ (Sun) Depart 15:00 Arrive 15:55
•
ABZ → WIC Depart 16:30 Arrive 17:25

Emergency Procurement vs. Long-Term Procurement

This contract award relates specifically to the emergency procurement undertaken to seek a replacement operator for the existing PSO contract, previously operated by Eastern Airways. As a replacement, it can only operate to the same destination airport as the previous contract (Aberdeen).

The Highland Council is also currently undertaking a procurement exercise, seeking an operator for lifeline air services from Wick John O’Groats on a long-term basis from 2026 onwards under a PSO mechanism. The contract specification in that case seeks an operator to offer services from Wick to both Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

About Air Charter Scotland

For over 20 years, Air Charter Scotland has built a reputation as one of the most reliable charter operators in the UK, committed to doing everything possible to exceed all expectations. They aim to deliver the best possible service, accommodating demanding schedules, complex itineraries and last-minute changes.

Pricing Structure

Value: £74.99 (one way)

Standard: £89.99 (one way)

Flexible: £119.99 (one way)

About the Aircraft

The primary aircraft operating the route is a BAe Jetstream 32. It has the following specification:

PH-FCI

Jetstream 32
Seats – 18
Year of Manufacture – 1989
Built – Prestwick, Scotland
Manufacturer – British Aerospace
Serial Number – 854
Operator – AIS Airlines BV

A secondary backup aircraft will be available:

PH-DCI

Jetstream 32
Seats – 18
Year of Manufacture -1990
Built – Prestwick, Scotland
Manufacturer – British Aerospace
Serial Number – 916
Operator – AIS Airlines BV