Recent surges in global oil prices, linked to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, are bringing the need for electric aircraft development into sharp focus, according to Loganair‘s chief executive.
The Glasgow-based airline, a significant regional carrier across the UK and parts of northern Europe, is actively collaborating with US electric aerospace firm Beta Technologies on a trial involving a battery-powered aircraft.
Luke Farajallah, who assumed the role of Loganair CEO in March 2024, outlined the airline’s long-term vision.
“The [electric aircraft] trial we are undertaking is one of the most exciting phases of my career to date, and it has come at a very interesting time in global history terms,” Farajallah told BBC Radio Orkney. “The oil price spiking as it has done over the last few weeks has really brought sharply into focus the need for us to find alternative methods of energy to propel our next generation of aircraft.”
The ambition, Farajallah stated, is to eventually integrate electric aircraft for both passenger and freight services. He specifically envisioned these advanced aircraft operating on “short hop” routes within Orkney. The ongoing trial with Beta Technologies involves an operational aircraft, the Beta Alia CTOL, which has been in production for several years and is currently undertaking demonstration flights, including those for Royal Mail across Scottish regional routes.
While acknowledging the concern over rising fuel prices, Farajallah reassured customers that Loganair had proactively secured approximately half of its fuel requirements for the coming year via a fixed-price contract. An additional 20 to 25 per cent of fuel has also been added to the airline’s stocks.
The airline is committed to mitigating the impact on its customers, with Farajallah stating, “We might need some small adjustments, but right now we would like to make sure that we don’t increase proportionately air fares with the way fuel prices are going.”
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Beyond traditional aviation, Scotland’s transport sector is actively exploring other innovative electric solutions. The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (Hitrans) is collaborating with US company Regent on its Seaglider technology. Regent’s all-electric Viceroy Seaglider is designed for multi-modal travel, capable of operating on its hull, skimming on a hydrofoil, or flying at low altitudes over water, presenting a potential transport solution for connecting island and rural communities.
Furthermore, Hitrans has also been investigating the potential of Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) Airlander 10 transport. The Airlander 10, a hybrid airship, is being considered for operating from sites in Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles, and the Highlands, with the capability to carry passengers and freight with significantly reduced emissions, aiming for a zero-emissions variant by the end of the decade.
All of these initiatives underscore a broader regional drive towards decarbonising transport and enhancing connectivity through diverse, sustainable technologies.
