'Landmark day': First-ever Loganair electric flight in Scotland completed

Scotland’s first all-electric commercial aircraft has completed its first flight, flying from Glasgow to Dundee in a landmark demonstration.

Working in partnership with US aerospace firm BETA Technologies, Loganair operated the battery-powered ALIA CTOL on the route between the cities on Thursday.

The milestone marks the first time a commercial airline has flown an all-electric aircraft within its operational network.

The flight forms part of a two-week programme that will see the aircraft deployed across Loganair’s network to demonstrate its ability to carry freight, mail and essential goods such as medical supplies.

First Minister John Swinney welcomed the development, saying it positions Scotland as a leader in low-carbon aviation, while supporting connectivity across the Highlands and Islands.

He added: “I am pleased to see Loganair make history as the first commercial airline to trial an all-electric aircraft across its network.

“This next-generation technology ensures that Scotland is well placed to play a leading role in reducing the carbon emissions associated with aviation, while supporting regional connectivity for communities in the Highlands and Islands.

“I would like to congratulate Loganair for the work involved in reaching this important milestone and thank them for their continued efforts in supporting sustainable aviation.”

The trial has been authorised by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, which says such projects are key to developing safe regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies like electric and advanced air mobility aircraft.

Logainair chief executive Luke Farajallah described the moment as a turning point.

“This is a landmark day for European aviation, and in-particular for Scotland’s airline Loganair”, he said.

“We are not talking about concepts, prototypes, or distant ambition, this is a real tangible programme of flying across our network which will provide invaluable data on how an electric aircraft could perform in a real commercial environment.

“For regional airlines, the route to net zero must be practical, affordable, and operationally viable. Electric aircraft have the potential to transform short haul flying, protecting vital air links while significantly reducing carbon emissions.

“For Loganair, this reflects our practical approach to sustainability – testing credible solutions that can reduce emissions while protecting the essential regional connectivity our communities rely on. As the UK’s largest and leading regional airline, we are committed to playing an active role in the transition to lower-emission aviation.”

“The trial builds on our wider sustainability efforts, including fleet modernisation, operational efficiency improvements, software implementation, and the exploration of sustainable aviation fuel. We are very excited about being at the vanguard of a greener future for aviation.”

The development has been widely welcomed across the industry.

Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said: “Congratulations to Loganair on this world-first all-electric flight by a commercial airline on its route network. This flight highlights the exciting, real-world developments on decarbonising aviation that are happening today.

“Alongside industry efforts to deliver more sustainable aviation fuels, modernise UK airspace and bring more efficient aircraft into fleets, this is further proof we have the tools to grow our sector whilst driving down our environmental impact, which must happen whilst keeping flying affordable for all.”

Sophie O’Sullivan, Director of Future Safety & Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Electric aircraft offer the possibility of cleaner, quieter flights, with improved connectivity and greater reliability.

“The UK Civil Aviation Authority have granted permission for Loganair and Beta to demonstrate their electric aircraft across Loganair’s commercial network.

“As electric aerospace technology advances, trials like this contribute to our work to establish the regulatory framework for advanced air mobility, helping us enable this new technology to develop safely.”

UK aviation, maritime and decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said: “We’re backing UK business with £43m to power up green aviation and it’s great to see Loganair leading the charge towards greener aircraft and zero emission flights.

“Zero emission aircraft, hydrogen fuels and advanced air mobility will unlock economic growth, reduce climate impacts from flying, and help deliver our airport expansion plans to boost connectivity and growth whilst creating highly skilled jobs across the UK.”