The Western Isles could take advantage of a new scheme to support air services, says the Comhairle.
The Department of Transport has launched a ‘start up aid’ fund to support public
service obligation (PSO) routes and start-
Aviation Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Smaller airports are vital to local economies and ensuring they thrive is a key part of our long term economic plan.
“I want to encourage the industry to apply to expand their routes, to generate UK growth and jobs, as well as boosting our trade links with countries all over the world.”
To apply for the funding, airports and airlines will have to provide evidence to show their proposed route will generate local benefits and represents value for money.
Any bids for funding would need to come from a consortium made up of the airport, the operating airline and the council and other bodies.
Initial applications have to be lodged within a month.
The Comhairle’s transport chairman, John Mackay, said the council will work HIE, HIAL, HITRANS and current and potential service operators in “assessing the feasibility of this as a realistic source of funding support for enhancing air services to and within the Highlands and Islands.”
He added: “The Comhairle has, for the last 18 months, been working with HIE, HITRANS and Eastern Airways in carrying out further research to better understand the travel market and the potential benefits of increased flights between Stornoway and Aberdeen.
Labour candidate, Alasdair Morrison, has backed the move to establish a twice daily Aberdeen to Stornoway air service.
Alasdair Morrison said he had recent discussions with Eastern Airway's commercial director, Kay Ryan who he said is “very keen” to examine how a package of support can be pulled together to allow two daily flights on the route.
Mr Morrison urged the organisations involved to “thrash out the detail.”
“Whilst I am encouraged by discussions -
New air fund could support improved Aberdeen flights
28 January 2015