Loganair (LM/LOG) has been again selected by Orkney Island Council to provide inter-island transport under the Public Service Obligation (PSO) for the next four years.
The current contract expires at the end of March this year with the new contract coming into force from the 1st of April to the 31st of March 2029.
Mellissa Thomson, North Isles Councillor and Vice-Chair of the Development and Infrastructure Committee said: “Our inter isles air service is vital to our isles’ communities – whether that be by providing quick and easy access to mainland Orkney and beyond for local folk, bringing itinerant teachers out to our isles’ schools, bringing youngsters into Papdale Halls or offering an alternative to the ferry for our visitors.
“We’ve been served loyally by Loganair over a number of years and I’m pleased that once again we’ve been able to award the contract to them.”
Loganair’s inter-island service includes the world’s shortest commercial flight between Westray and Papa Westray, a flight time of around 2 minutes but the wider network connects Kirkwall on Orkney to the islands of Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay, Westray, Sanday, Stronsay and Eday using BN2 Islander aircraft.
Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive Officer, Loganair said: “The inter-island services between Kirkwall and the neighbouring islands are vital for the communities and individuals who rely on air transport to travel safely and conveniently for personal and professional reasons.
“We’re very pleased that we are continuing to play a part in the provision of these services and that the communities we serve can look forward to remaining connected together using our friendly and reliable services in the years ahead.
“Loganair’s ability to provide these lifeline services is entirely due to the experience and hard work of our dedicated team in Kirkwall who, for almost 60 years, have been there as an embedded part of the community they live in and serve.
“2025 is going to be a very special year for Orkney and the surrounding island communities, and we never take for granted the trust that is placed in us to serve in this wonderful part of Scotland. This announcement allows us to look forward to further developing our relationship with the communities in Orkney and the Islands, providing reliable, sustainable and affordable air travel for at least the next four years through the award of this contract.”
One of the innovations Loganair brought to the contract was in 2019 when they made inter-island flights bookable online. It also has a policy of investing in Orkney, such as employing local engineers and other staff.
