Those in attendance were able to view the Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft and hear about the ongoing work to ensure the Benbecula to Stornoway air service works for its passengers. The trial of the aircraft also involved an assessment landing in Barra.

The evaluation of a larger aircraft will also contribute to meeting the recommendations made in a recent report by HiTrans’ Western Isles Transport & Health Working Group. If the trial is deemed successful any changes to the current service will be on the condition of Scottish Government funding and aircraft availability.

Since the award of the contract for the Benbecula to Stornoway air provision, Hebridean Air Services has worked with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited and the local community to ensure that the service, within the parameters of the contract budget, meets the needs of passengers.

The trial of the Tecnam P2012 aircraft is part of the ongoing work to assess options for improvement. The Tecnam P2012 is similar in size to the current Britten Norman Islander aircraft but offers improvements including an increase in passenger numbers, range, better fuel efficiency and passenger accessibility.

Cllr Uisdean Robertson said:

“The Benbecula to Stornoway air service is a lifeline service. This week’s trials have seen the Comhairle come together with Hebridean Air Services and HIAL to evaluate an aircraft with the potential to improve the air service for the passengers who rely on it. The realisation of these service improvements, including the expansion of the service to Barra, will only be possible with additional Scottish Government funding.

“In this year’s budget Scottish Government awarded an additional £20 million to Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council for the provision of inter-island travel. Scottish Government should now demonstrate the same level of understanding for the needs of people in the Western Isles as they have for those in other island communities and commit additional funding to the improvement of the vital Benbecula to Stornoway service. As these discussions continue Hebridean Air Services will continue to provide the best possible service, within the parameters of the current budget.”