A potential new aircraft for the Benbecula to Stornoway air route has been trialled, with test landings also conducted in Barra.
Hebridean Air Services, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Highlands and Islands Airports Limited hosted guests at Benbecula and Stornoway Airports on Wednesday, 26 February, to showcase the Tecnam P2012 Traveller.
Attendees had the opportunity to inspect the aircraft and discuss how it could enhance the service for passengers who rely on the vital inter-island connection.
The trial also involved an evaluation landing at Barra, further assessing the aircraft’s suitability for operations in the Western Isles.
The move to explore a larger aircraft aligns with recommendations made in a recent HiTrans Western Isles Transport & Health Working Group report.
Any potential changes to the current air service will be dependent on Scottish Government funding and the availability of aircraft.
Since securing the contract for the route, Hebridean Air Services has worked closely with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, and the local community to ensure the service meets passenger needs within the constraints of the contract’s budget.
The Tecnam P2012 aircraft offers several improvements over the existing Britten Norman Islander, including increased passenger capacity, greater range, improved fuel efficiency, and better accessibility.
Councillor Uisdean Robertson emphasised the essential nature of the route and the importance of securing improvements to benefit those who depend on it.
He highlighted the collaboration between Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Hebridean Air Services, and HIAL in assessing an aircraft with the potential to enhance the service.
Robertson stressed that expanding the service to Barra and implementing other improvements would only be possible with additional Scottish Government funding.
He pointed out that the Scottish Government had recently allocated an extra £20 million to Orkney and Shetland for inter-island travel and called for a similar commitment to the Western Isles.
The councillor urged the government to demonstrate equal understanding of the transport needs of Western Isles residents and to commit the necessary funding to enhance the Benbecula to Stornoway service.
Discussions on potential improvements continue, but in the meantime, Hebridean Air Services remains committed to providing the best service possible within the current budget constraints.
