Eastern Airways is to start a new route between Aberdeen and Wick John O’Groats airport in northern Scotland.
The route, which will operate under a government-funded PSO (public service obligation) contract, will connect the UK’s oil and gas capital Aberdeen with Caithness, which is becoming a centre for renewable energy projects.
Eastern Airways will operate up to twice daily from 11 April, with services running on weekdays and Sundays. There will also be early morning flights from Wick to Aberdeen on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 25 April.
The Scottish government will support the route financially and also provides a subsidy for Wick airport, which lost its previous air route to Aberdeen in 2020.
Scotland’s transport minister Jenny Gilruth said: “I welcome the announcement of the award of this contract which will see the restoration of important connectivity for Caithness.
“This service will benefit business travellers and provide visitors with a direct route to experience all that Caithness can offer.”
Margaret Davidson, the leader of the Highland Council, added: “Caithness is very much at the fore of expanding the development of future opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy and space.
“With these new opportunities comes not only supply chain benefits to the local economy but also inward migration and the creation of high value jobs.”