Loganair secure multi-million-pound deal for new lower emission aircraft for Highlands and islands

Scotland’s regional airline has announced a series of multi-million-pound plans to help lower the emissions of its aircraft fleet by 2023.

Loganair, who currently operate 42 aircrafts across 70 routes throughout its network, is planning to say goodbye to its remaining eight Saab 340B passenger aircraft through a $12m sale agreement.

It will welcome eight ATR next-generation turboprops into service in 2023.

The new aircraft brings a 27% reduction in carbon emissions per seat in comparison to old models and is part of the aircrafts target to become fully carbon neutral by 2040.

The new ATR aircraft are also equipped to use satellite-based approach systems, enabling operations to continue safely in conditions of reduced visibility such as fog or low cloud – a common issue faced across Highlands and Islands destinations.

Loganair already has 15 of the ATR next-generation turboprops in service, including four of the 72-seat ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft and four dedicated ATR 72-500 Freighter aircraft which have taken over mail delivery flights to and from the Highlands and Islands in recent months.

Work is also underway to train Loganair piolets, cabin crew and engineers to work on the new aircraft.

The airline’s Glasgow-based engineers the latest to undergo training and proficiency checks.

This is ahead of their introduction on routes from Glasgow to Islay, Benbecula, Sumburgh, Kirkwall, Derry and Stornoway in the first quarter of 2023.

Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “The Saab 340s have served us, and our customers, superbly well over the last two decades but it’s time for us to transition to a new generation of aircraft.

“In selecting our future fleet, it’s important to have an aircraft which builds upon our environmental credentials while withstanding island weather conditions and providing accessibility for all customers in the communities we serve – we’ve found all those characteristics and more in the ATR turboprop.

“Our multi-million-pound investment in ATR aircraft will safeguard connectivity for future generations within the Highlands and Islands air network, on which so many communities depend. We serve the vast majority of air routes in the Highlands and Islands on a purely commercial basis, with no direct subsidy – unlike other forms of transport – and are funding the introduction of new aircraft ourselves.”

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer at aircraft manufacturer ATR, said: “We’re delighted to see Loganair – one of Europe’s most successful and long-established regional airlines – transition to ATR aircraft. They are the most environmentally efficient of any aircraft in their class and deliver greater comfort and cabin quietness for customers.

“With over 1,600 ATR aircraft in service worldwide and production continuing today, we’re confident that Loganair has made the right choice for its future fleet, and we look forward to further growing our partnership over the coming years.”