The Scottish government is facing a critical challenge in ensuring the reliability and sustainability of air services in the Highlands and Islands. The recent controversy surrounding Loganair's timetable changes has exposed a significant gap in Scotland's transport strategy, particularly regarding regional aviation. This issue is not merely about individual flight cancellations but highlights a broader lack of strategic planning for the future of regional air connectivity.
The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) has issued a stark warning, emphasizing that regional flights should not be treated as isolated commercial routes but rather as an integral part of Scotland's essential national transport network. This perspective is crucial because island communities rely on a complex interplay of aviation, ferries, roads, and rail for their connectivity. HITRANS argues that the current approach, which focuses on individual routes, is insufficient and potentially detrimental to the long-term viability of these services.
One of the key issues is the absence of a comprehensive strategy for essential routes that are not commercially viable. While Scotland has long-term plans for roads, railways, and ferries, there is a glaring omission in the air connectivity sector. This oversight is particularly concerning given the economic and social importance of regional aviation in the Highlands and Islands.
HITRANS calls for a national review of Highlands and Islands aviation, led by the Scottish government or Transport Scotland. This review should bring together various stakeholders, including Transport Scotland, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, councils, NHS boards, airlines, and economic agencies, to develop a unified long-term strategy. The goal is to ensure minimum standards for island communities, guaranteeing access to affordable same-day return journeys for healthcare, business, and public services.
The partnership also emphasizes the economic significance of regional aviation. Research highlights numerous investment opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, offshore wind, hydrogen, ports, marine industries, tourism, and life sciences, totaling over £100 billion. Strong regional aviation is essential for facilitating the movement of workers, investors, and specialists to the Highlands and Islands, thereby driving economic growth and development.
HITRANS challenges the assumption that demand for island flights is too weak. Historical data shows that lower fares can stimulate demand and increase passenger numbers. For instance, during a period of airline competition, Aberdeen-Kirkwall services saw a 37.5% increase in passengers, Glasgow-Stornoway experienced a 33.4% rise, and Shetland routes grew by 27.3%. This evidence suggests that strategic fare reductions can enhance the long-term viability of regional services.
Furthermore, HITRANS proposes a novel approach to managing regional aviation, similar to how cities plan bus networks. Instead of evaluating each route individually, stronger services could support socially necessary routes that are less commercially viable but vital for island communities. This approach would ensure that essential services are maintained even if they don't generate immediate profits.
In conclusion, the Scottish government must take immediate action to address the current crisis in regional aviation. By embracing a comprehensive strategic approach, integrating aviation into broader transport planning, and recognizing its economic and social importance, Scotland can secure the future of air services in the Highlands and Islands. This is not just a matter of restoring individual flights but of establishing a robust framework that ensures the long-term resilience and sustainability of regional air connectivity.
