A Scottish airline that uses Inverness Airport as a major hub is exploring the use of hybrid-electric aeroplanes on its routes.
Glasgow-based Loganair has agreed a new exclusive partnership with Swedish manufacturer Heart Aerospace dedicated to decarbonising its regional UK fleet.
If successful, within a few years it could see passengers flying electric between Inverness and direct flight destinations such as Manchester, Belfast, Stornoway, Shetland and Orkney.
As the UK’s largest regional airline, the collaboration will focus on establishing the case for using Heart Aerospace’s hybrid electric aircraft within the wider Scottish and UK network.
Heart Aerospace is developing the ES-30, a hybrid-electric aircraft with the capacity to carry up to 30 passengers.
The ES-30 is said to have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions “while offering cost-effective and accessible air travel”.
Luke Farajallah, chief executive officer of Loganair, said: “This is a very exciting and significant moment for Loganair and for the future of sustainable UK regional flying.
“This exclusive collaboration with Heart Aerospace brings together two organisations who share a passion to see aviation emissions reduced in a realistic and meaningful way.
“We definitely see the ES-30 as being a strong contender to emerge as one of the leaders in this space.
“At Loganair, we are very proud of our environmental work and achievements to date, and we see this as the next logical step along the path to a greener future for UK regional aviation.”
As part of the partnership, Loganair and Heart will also engage with the Scottish and UK Governments and regional airports to promote and highlight the benefits of the innovative form of propulsion.
The ES-30 will have a fully electric zero-emissions range of 120 miles and an extended hybrid range of 240 miles with 30 passengers on board.
With 25 passengers on board, the aircraft has the potential to achieve a range of 480 miles.
Loganair will also take a presence on Heart Aerospace’s Industry Advisory Board, which includes a range of airlines, governments, leasing companies and airports from all over the world.
Simon Newitt, president and chief commercial officer of Heart Aerospace, said: “Loganair has been a champion of regional aviation for decades and we’re thrilled to partner with them to bring cleaner air travel to the UK.”
Logair has set a target of achieving net zero emissions across its operations by 2040.