Air Charter Scotland (ACS) is pleased to announce the extension of the Wick-Aberdeen PSO, a lifeline route for northern Scotland.
The successful continuation of the Wick-Aberdeen-Wick Public Service Obligation (PSO) route through to 14 August 2026, which follows a formal agreement by Scottish Ministers to provide additional funding, ensures this critical transport link remains operational for the communities and businesses of Caithness.
Sustaining Regional Connectivity with the Wick-Aberdeen PSO
The funding confirmation from Transport Scotland reaffirms the Scottish Government’s commitment to rural connectivity. Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie highlighted the economic and social importance of the service, noting that the additional support provides certainty for the region following the collapse of the previous operator late last year.
“I am pleased to confirm additional funding for the Wick to Aberdeen air service until 14 August 2026,” said Minister Fairlie. “The Scottish Government fully recognises the economic and social importance of rural connectivity. This funding is a further confirmation of our commitment to the Caithness area.”
Operational Excellence and Increased Capacity
Since taking over the route in January 2026 under an emergency procurement exercise, Air Charter Scotland has worked tirelessly to restore passenger confidence.
From 1st March, ACS upgraded the service from the initial Beechcraft King Air 200 to an 18-seat Jetstream 32 aircraft. This transition has increased daily capacity by 10 seats, catering to growing demand from the oil and gas sector, business travellers, and leisure passengers alike.
Derek Thomson, COO of Air Charter Scotland, commented:
“We are delighted with today’s news. Reliability on the route has been excellent, and passengers have responded very positively to the service. With the arrival of Spring and increased demand, the introduction of the Jetstream 32 was timed perfectly to support the community. We are also looking forward to adjusting our timetable at the end of March to better serve the needs of our passengers based on the feedback we have received.”
A Strategic Link for the North
The flight, which takes just under an hour, offers a vital alternative to the near five-hour car journey between Wick and Aberdeen. Highland Council Leader, Raymond Bremner, praised the “fantastic job” ACS has done in regaining passenger trust.
“Extending the PSO to August gives us a real opportunity to promote and grow the route even further,” said Cllr Bremner. While the extension is a significant win, the Council continues to advocate for long-term lifeline connectivity beyond August 2026, having already presented a Full Business Case to Transport Scotland.
Book your Wick-Aberdeen PSO flight now with Air Charter Scotland.