Orkney council has asked the Scottish Government for funding for a third inter-isles aircraft.
It would be part of the proposed summer flight timetable for the area.
Earlier today, the local authority’s development and infrastructure committee gave its backing to the proposed timetable.
This included noting that a funding request for a third aircraft has been submitted to the government.
This would provide more flexibility to services between 20 February to 29 October when only one aircraft is operated by Loganair so maintenance can be carried out.
The chairman of the committee, David Dawson said the bid is “crucial” to maintaining services in the area, particularly to islands with limited or reduced services, like Eday.
He added: “I know from having spoken with the CEO of Loganair that they are perfectly placed to provide that third aircraft and provide the pilots as well.
“Their pilots love to come to Orkney to work. It’s the funding that’s the challenge.
“The Scottish Government might be made aware of our needs, particularly for islands like Eday that have a limited service.”
Price of aviation fuel means an overspend on Orkney inter-isles flights service is likely
As it stands, the proposed summer timetable for inter-isles flights in Orkney is relatively the same as in previous years.
The main differences are:
- flights to Sanday and Stronsay on a Friday afternoon and Monday morning being swapped to accommodate a teacher getting home.
- the operation of Sunday service to Stronsay being subject to availability of ground crew on the island.
- bookings to Eday on a Monday morning being subject to availability from
midday the Friday before departure.
The service is predicting a £120,000 overspend from a budget of £1,198,800 for 2022/2023 due to the price of the aviation fuel Avgas.
Councillor Owen Tierney asked if the council is in a position to cover the cost of the overspend. He said fuel prices are “rocketing out of all proportion.”
He was told that Orkney inter-isles flights service usually records an underspend, due to Avgas (aviation gasoline) rates being much lower.
However, it is hoped that there will be underspends in other areas to help cover the cost.
Conversation