SCOTLAND'S regional airline, Loganair, is set to become Europe's first airline with an all-electric fleet.
The Scottish airliner has agreed to purchase five aircraft from Beta Technologies after viewing them at the Farnborough Airshow this week.
Five Alia Ctol (CX300) electric aircraft have been purchased, with options for a further five also included.
They are expected to enter passenger and cargo service in 2029, making Loganair the first commercial airline in Europe to use all-electric planes in their fleet.
The firm said the purchase will help to serve Scotland's Highland and Island communities that rely upon air transport for key routes to access healthcare, education and employment.
Luke Farajallah, chief executive of Loganair said: "This is a truly historic moment for Loganair and for European aviation.
"Our demonstration programme earlier this year proved that electric aviation is no longer a future concept, it is a viable commercial opportunity.
"The aircraft demonstrated the potential to reduce operating costs by up to 80% while maintaining the reliable regional connectivity our customers and communities depend on.
"Signing this agreement is the natural next step in that journey. It reflects our confidence in the technology, our partnership with BETA, and our ambition to remain at the forefront of sustainable regional aviation.
"We look forward to working together as we prepare to bring these aircraft into commercial service."
Loganair has been working alongside Beta Technologies to achieve the target of an all electric fleet, having collaborated previously on flight demonstrations.
In March, Loganair also completed 23 flights across 10 days that used electric vehicles, part of a UK-first testing programme.
Kyle Clark, founder and chief executive of Beta Technologies, said: "Loganair has spent six decades connecting communities that rely on air travel, so their standard for new technology is appropriately high.
"We met that standard the only way it can be met, by flying more than a thousand nautical miles across their network, on their routes, and in their conditions.
"This agreement is what happens when demonstrated performance meets an operator serious about the future of regional aviation."
