Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Events

Take-off for Scotland's airline

Loganair, the only airline based in Scotland, today celebrated a historic occasion as it took to the skies under its own colours for the first time in 25 years.

During that time, Loganair has been operating as a franchise partner – firstly for BA and latterly since 2008 for Flybe - with its aircraft wearing the livery of these two companies.

However today saw the creation of a national airline for Scotland, headquartered at Glasgow Airport - the result of a £4m investment that has secured 600 jobs throughout Scotland, including 160 at Loganair's bases in the Highlands and Islands, and created 15 new posts. The airline contributes over £300m per annum to the Scottish economy.

Advertisement
Teledyne

The official inaugural flight carrying Loganair's bold new tartan livery flew into Glasgow from Islay this morning (above).

The tartan-tailed Spirit of Harris, a Saab 340, was welcomed by a spectacular water cannon salute, normally reserved to mark the launch of a new route - performed by Glasgow Airport’s Fire Department. It was flown by Captain Rebecca Simpson, a veteran of 14 years, one of the female pilots who make up 13% of Loganair's flight crew - more than double the average of other airlines.

The pipe band Sgoil Lionacleit, from the Benbecula comprehensive school of the same name, played as the aircraft landed. The band recently finished first in the free style category of the 2017 Scottish School Pipe Band Championships.

Loganair managing director Jonathan Hinkles greeted passengers with a specially inscribed pewter and glass gift. 

Today's celebrations were the culmination of nine months of hard work since the end of the Flybe franchise agreement was announced at the end of last year.

This included the creation of an entire customer service and ticket accounting capability at the airline’s Glasgow headquarters, as well as setting up an e-commerce ticketing system, new flight and cabin crew uniform designs and new codeshare deals with British Airways and BMI Regional - allowing Loganair passengers one-ticket stress-free travel to international destinations.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Jonathan Hinkles said: "Today is a major milestone in the 54-year history of Loganair. Although we have flown as a franchise carrier for larger airlines over the last 25 years, there is still a huge level of recognition and affinity for the Loganair name throughout Scotland and beyond.

Hinkles went on to thank Loganair's customers for the vote of confidence they've given the airline since the announcement of its break with Flybe.

He said: "We are extremely grateful to all of the communities in our key destinations for the tremendous support they are affording us, which is translating into very strong advance bookings. We're thanking them today with a celebratory 24-hour 10% off flash sale, but in the longer term we're introducing a set of customer enhancements that we simply didn't have the freedom to introduce when we were a franchise partner.

"These include improvements to the pre-flight experience for customers, with the introduction of boarding cards on mobile devices, earlier access to on-line check-in (now available from four days up to one hour before the flight) and the removal of ID checks at boarding gates for domestic flights - all aimed at making travel more convenient and more enjoyable.

“We are also continuing to offer a free checked hold baggage allowance for every customer, pro-actively abolishing credit card payment surcharges and making our flights available to book further in advance than before.”

The airline’s new, distinctly Scottish identity continues in the cabins of its aircraft where colourful Harris Tweed headrest covers now appear on all aircraft and Tunnock's caramel wafers are part of the range of complimentary refreshments offered to all customers, with Tunnock's sponsoring the in-flight catering carts.

On launch day, Loganair also introduced a new destination to its route network with services to the most remote island community in Scotland, Fair Isle – with the first flight taking off from Kirkwall at 12.15pm today.

On Monday, its new shuttle service between Glasgow and Manchester takes to the air with up to six flights each way on every weekday, offering far greater choice of travel times and more competitive fares for customers on this important cross-border route.


 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

Aerospace

Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

15 July 2025

Doncasters today announced the successful commissioning of a brand-new, fully automated shell line, at its Groton facility in the US - a major milestone within its 2025 Performance Improvement Plan and a key advancement in the company’s long-term manufacturing strategy.

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

Aerospace

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

15 July 2025

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft today announced plans to work together on developing regional hydrogen-electric VTOL air travel.

Bombardier’s paint facility at Biggin Hill set for 2026 opening

Aerospace

Bombardier’s paint facility at Biggin Hill set for 2026 opening

14 July 2025

Bombardier's development of a new 51,000 sq. ft. paint facility at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre is progressing with several key processes completed, including ground stabilisation and foundation work on the hangar.

AAIB launches investigation into incident at Southend Airport

Aerospace

AAIB launches investigation into incident at Southend Airport

14 July 2025

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has started an investigation into an incident near Southend Airport on Sunday 13th July, involving a 12-metre plane that crashed shortly after take-off.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT
First electric flight lands at Gatwick

Aerospace

First electric flight lands at Gatwick

14 July 2025

The first ever electric flight to land at London Gatwick took place last Thursday as part of the VINCI Airports Network Elektro Tour.

Airframe Designs appoints new Advisory Board chairman

Aerospace

Airframe Designs appoints new Advisory Board chairman

14 July 2025

Aerospace specialist Airframe Designs has appointed David Roberts as the new chairman of its Advisory Board, as it continues to expand its services in engineering and additive manufacturing to the aviation and related sectors worldwide.

Advertisement
ODU RT