The North Highland Chamber of Commerce praised Air Charter Scotland’s work in the return of the Wick PSO at their Nineteenth Annual General Meeting this month.
Passenger numbers on Air Charter Scotland’s Wick John O’Groat Airport public service obligation (PSO) routes are climbing, and advance bookings point to continued demand through the winter.
Backed by the Local Business Community
The return of this lifeline service marked a huge step forward in tackling the lengthy and unreliable transport links the region has faced. The Chamber credited the united effort of businesses, stakeholders and politicians in securing the service. Through it, businesses can build relationships beyond the region, residents can reach vital central belt services, and visitors can reach Caithness and Sutherland more easily.
Following the funding announcement at the end of July, the Wick to Aberdeen link continued and a new Wick to Glasgow service began from mid-August, with the new timetable in place less than three weeks after the announcement. There are now four flights a week to Aberdeen and three to Glasgow, operated with a 19-seat Jetstream 32.
Growing Demand in Both Directions
The route has improved connectivity for Caithness and the far north, encouraging travel in both directions and enabling passengers to connect between Wick, Aberdeen and Glasgow.
With advance bookings continuing into the festive season, Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council chairman Allan Bruce said the figures showed a level of certainty about the service continuing, and that Air Charter Scotland had demonstrated reliable operation from the outset.
A Service for the Caithness Community
For residents of Caithness and the far north, the flights provide a fast, convenient link to Aberdeen and Glasgow, connecting the region with wider UK and international travel networks through both airports. For businesses, a dependable timetable makes it easier to meet customers, suppliers and colleagues beyond the region and to bring visitors, contractors and staff into the area without long journeys by road. In Glasgow and Aberdeen, the routes open up the far north for business, leisure and visiting friends and family.
We are delighted with the support shown by passengers, businesses and community groups, and with the way the routes are building into a service that benefits Wick, Glasgow and Aberdeen alike.
Visit the Wick PSO booking page for more information.