16th April 2026
In early 2026, regional carrier Loganair quietly made aviation history with a series of real world electric aircraft trials across Scotland linking key regional airports including Wick Airport. Unlike previous test flights that stayed firmly in the realm of demonstration, this programme was designed to mimic actual airline operations, offering a glimpse into how electric aviation could soon become part of everyday travel.
At the heart of the trials was the ALIA CX300, developed by BETA Technologies. This fully electric, conventional take-off and landing aircraft was put through a demanding two-week schedule, flying routes that reflect the realities of Scotland's regional network. These included a headline flight from Glasgow Airport to Dundee Airport—a journey of roughly 68 miles completed in about 38 minutes—before continuing onward to Inverness Airport.
But the real significance of the programme lay beyond these initial legs. The aircraft was integrated into a broader network that included Aberdeen Airport, Wick Airport, and Kirkwall Airport routes typically used to transport mail and essential supplies. Working in partnership with Royal Mail, the flights carried cargo such as parcels and medical goods, closely simulating the operational pressures of real airline service.
Technically, the aircraft demonstrated promising capabilities. With a range of approximately 336 nautical miles (around 622 km) and a payload capacity of about 560 kilograms, it is well-suited to short regional routes. Perhaps most crucially, it requires only 20 to 40 minutes to recharge and can operate from existing runways, meaning airports like Wick or Kirkwall would not need major infrastructure overhauls to support electric operations.
The purpose of these trials was not simply to prove that electric flight is possible—it already is—but to determine whether it is practical. Could such aircraft handle unpredictable Scottish weather? Could they fit into tight turnaround schedules? Could they reliably serve remote communities that depend on air links for essential goods? Early indications suggest the answer to all three is yes.
When Will Passengers Be Flying?
Despite the success of these trials, passenger services are not quite around the corner but they are closer than many might expect. The main barrier is not the aircraft technology itself, but certification. Aircraft like the ALIA CX300 must undergo rigorous safety approval processes before they can carry passengers commercially.
Current projections suggest that passenger flights could begin between 2027 and 2030, depending on how quickly certification progresses in both the UK and internationally. Loganair has already signalled strong interest in adopting electric aircraft for its short-haul routes once approvals are in place, particularly in regions like the Highlands and Islands where distances are short and environmental benefits are significant.
When passenger services do arrive, they are likely to start on routes very similar to those tested—think short hops between places like Wick, Inverness, and Kirkwall. These are precisely the kinds of journeys where electric aircraft perform best: under 300 miles, frequent, and operationally essential.
Why Wick and the Highlands Matter
Airports like Wick Airport are more than just regional outposts they are lifelines. The success of electric trials in these locations demonstrates that decarbonisation does not have to come at the expense of connectivity. In fact, electric aircraft could strengthen these links by lowering operating costs over time and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
For communities across northern Scotland, this could mean quieter aircraft, cleaner air, and more sustainable transport without sacrificing reliability. For the aviation industry, it marks a shift from experimental technology to practical deployment.
A Turning Point for Regional Aviation
What Loganair achieved across Scotland—including at Wick—is a clear signal that electric aviation is moving out of the prototype phase and into real-world use. By successfully operating across multiple airports, carrying cargo, and integrating with existing logistics networks, the trials have answered one of the industry's biggest questions not "can it fly?" but "can it work?"
If certification timelines hold, the next time these routes make headlines, it may not be for test flights but for the first fare paying passengers stepping aboard an electric aircraft in the Scottish Highlands.