More than 80 North Air workers across Scottish airports have secured a new pay deal, with Unite confirming wage increases for tanker drivers and airfield operators supporting flights across the country.

The agreement delivers a 4.2 per cent pay rise backdated to April, alongside a five per cent increase to shift allowances and overtime rates.

The workers are based at airports in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Kirkwall, Sumburgh and Stornoway, covering major, rural and island routes.

The deal builds on Unite’s ongoing Runway to Success campaign, which has seen a series of pay improvements secured for aviation staff across Scotland.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“North Air workers across Scotland’s major, rural and island airports have secured a good pay deal.

“It’s another boost to their overall, pay and conditions at the airports which Unite has been able to successfully achieve for these key aviation workers in recent years.”

The latest agreement follows recent pay gains for ICTS screeners at Glasgow Airport, Highlands and Islands Airport staff and cleaners at Aberdeen Airport.

Carrie Donoghue Unite industrial officer said:

“Unite is delighted to get these wage wins across the line for North Air workers.

“Unite continues to deliver increases to basic pay and shift allowances for aviation workers and the deals got the overwhelming backing of our members.”

Unite has also launched a new safety campaign, Abuse Doesn’t Fly, after a survey highlighted ongoing issues faced by airport staff.

The survey of more than 300 workers at airports in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow found widespread reports of abuse, aggression and assault from travellers.

The campaign is calling on passengers to be more aware of their behaviour and is urging airport operators and police to introduce stronger measures to protect staff.