Loganair is making yet another mark in Scottish and UK aviation history by being the first commercial airline to fly an all-electric aircraft across part of its network.
Now the UK’s leading regional airline, Loganair is completing the first-ever electric flight in Scotland alongside BETA Technologies, a U.S. electric aerospace company.
The company will fly BETA’s ALIA CTOL, a battery-powered fixed-wing aircraft, from Glasgow to Dundee, marking a breakthrough moment for low-emission, next-generation flight in Europe.
The flight scheduled for today (Thursday 19 March) is part of a two week programme where the electric aircraft will be used across Loganair’s network demonstrating the capability of a zero emissions aircraft to deliver freight, mail and essential goods such as medical supplies.
The milestone flight signals a significant step towards decarbonising short-haul aviation, with Loganair positioning Scotland at the forefront of next-generation aircraft technology.
“For regional airlines, the route to net zero must be practical, affordable, and operationally viable. Electric aircraft have the potential to transform short haul flying, protecting vital air links while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
“The trial builds on our wider sustainability efforts, including fleet modernisation, operational efficiency improvements, software implementation, and the exploration of sustainable aviation fuel. We are very excited about being at the vanguard of a greener future for aviation.”
Tim Alderslade, CEO at Airlines UK: “Congratulations to Loganair on this world-first all-electric flight by a commercial airline on its route network. This flight highlights the exciting, real-world developments on decarbonising aviation that are happening today.”
First Minister John Swinney said: “I am pleased to see Loganair make history as the first commercial airline to trial an all-electric aircraft across its network.
“This next-generation technology ensures that Scotland is well placed to play a leading role in reducing the carbon emissions associated with aviation, while supporting regional connectivity for communities in the Highlands and Islands.
Sophie O'Sullivan, Director of Future Safety & Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “The UK Civil Aviation Authority have granted permission for Loganair and Beta to demonstrate their electric aircraft across Loganair’s commercial network.
“As electric aerospace technology advances, trials like this contribute to our work to establish the regulatory framework for advanced air mobility, helping us enable this new technology to develop safely.”
Fiona Smith, Sustainability Director at AGS Airports: “We are delighted that Glasgow and Aberdeen International Airports will support these milestone flight demonstrations showcasing the real world potential of electric aircraft on essential services such as Royal Mail operations.
“Electric aviation represents a major opportunity to bring meaningful reductions in carbon emissions while strengthening social and economic connectivity for the communities we serve and our airports are very well placed to facilitate the earliest iteration of an electric aircraft flying network.”
