Air Charter Scotland, one of the UK’s leading on‑demand air charter operators, is set to expand into scheduled air services in early 2026 after signing a new contract with The Highland Council.
The Glasgow‑headquartered company has been awarded the Public Service Obligation (PSO) route between Wick and Aberdeen, with flights scheduled to begin on 12 January 2026. The service has been suspended since October following the collapse of Eastern Airways, leaving Caithness without its key air connection to the northeast.
To launch the route, Air Charter Scotland will introduce a BAe Jetstream 32, sourced and operated initially by Dutch carrier AIS Airlines under a wet‑lease arrangement. The aircraft type will later be added to Air Charter Scotland’s own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) as the company builds its scheduled operations capability.
Bookings open on 6 January, with one‑way fares starting from £74.99. Flights will run six days a week, excluding Saturdays, with the aircraft based at Wick and operating in both directions to Aberdeen.
Derek Thomson of Air Charter Scotland welcomed the announcement, emphasising the importance of restoring connectivity for the region. “We are delighted to have been awarded the Wick–Aberdeen–Wick PSO air service and are proud to support the Caithness community by keeping this vital air link flying, providing a critical lifeline air service the region can be truly proud of,” he said.
The reinstated service is expected to play a key role in supporting local businesses, healthcare access, and wider economic activity across Caithness and Sutherland, offering residents and organisations a reliable and time‑efficient alternative to long road journeys.
Air Charter Scotland’s move into scheduled operations marks a significant milestone for the company, which has built its reputation on private charter services across the UK and Europe. The Wick–Aberdeen route will be its first scheduled PSO operation, signalling a strategic expansion into regional connectivity at a time when rural air links remain under pressure.