A new air passenger service is planned between John ‘O’ Groats airport in Wick and Edinburgh airport to increase accessibility to highlands.
John O’Groats Airport is situated one mile north of Wick, at the north-eastern extremity of the mainland of Scotland but currently runs no scheduled flights.
However, in February of this year, the Scottish Government confirmed that they will provide up to £4 million to the Highland Council over the next four financial years to help reintroduce flights at Wick John O’Groats Airport to the likes of Edinburgh.
The Highland Council is currently seeking two airlines who will service the route.
The council placed a notice on Public Contract Scotland detailing the plans and state: “the aim is to increase accessibility, desirability and prosperity to the North of Scotland for businesses, travellers and the local community alike.
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“The Highland Council are therefore seeking enthusiastic air service operator(s) to work with the Council to help achieve these aims.”
The Highland Council is initially planning to run the operation for three years, and is also looking to operate another air passenger service from Wick to Aberdeen. They say that any potential airline may be awarded both routes.
The council want to work in partnership with the airline and insist they “intend to work closely with the air operator throughout the life of the contract to ensure successful delivery. To that end, there shall be clear communication channels established and regular contract management meetings to help reinforce the collaborated approach.”
