New strategy for sustainable aviation in the Highlands and Islands

Urban Foresight is leading the creation of a regional strategy for sustainable aviation in the Highlands and Islands, as part of the next phase of the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) project.

Funded through the UK Government’s Future Flight Regional Demonstrator programme, this work will set out a practical roadmap for implementing new low and zero-emission aviation technologies into the region’s transport system.

Addressing unique regional challenges

The Highlands and Islands region accounts for more than 50% of the land mass of Scotland, but less than 10% of the population. Many communities are remote and rely on air travel to access essential services such as jobs, education, healthcare, and social and leisure opportunities.

However, regional air services are under increasing pressure. Subsidised routes are becoming more expensive to run due to rising fuel and maintenance costs, and there is a growing need to cut emissions to meet net zero targets.

Limited and unreliable transport options are known to contribute to depopulation and make it harder for remote and island businesses and public services to operate effectively.

New types of aircraft such as drones, electric planes and electric take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL) provide an opportunity to address these challenges and improve regional connectivity in a cleaner and more reliable way.

How new aviation technologies could be used

Urban Foresight’s work will develop the regional pathway for bringing these technologies into service. It will bring together assessments of socio-economic impacts, infrastructure requirements, technology readiness, and policy requirements.

The strategy will focus on practical applications where sustainable aviation can deliver clear public and economic benefits, including:

• Healthcare and emergency services: using drones and low-emission aircraft to transport medicines, samples, and critical supplies quickly and reliably.
• Passenger connectivity: creating new or improved routes between small towns and islands, helping people travel more easily for work, education, healthcare, and leisure.
• Industry and exports: supporting time-sensitive sectors such as aquaculture and seafood by reducing spoilage and transport delays.
• Renewable energy: enabling faster delivery of parts and equipment to onshore and offshore wind farms, reducing operational downtime.

Clear assessment of potential financial, environmental, and social benefits will help to build a strong evidence base for future investment and policy decisions.

Building on world-first innovation

The Highlands and Islands have been at the forefront of sustainable aviation trials since the launch of SATE in 2020, which established the UK’s first operational test centre for low-carbon flight at Kirkwall Airport.

Urban Foresight’s work will draw on input from a wide network of partners, including technology developers, transport operators, academic institutions, and local authorities. The project is funded by Innovate UK and is being led by Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS).

“This project is an opportunity to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. By working closely with regional partners, we’re developing a strategy that ensures new low-carbon flight technologies deliver genuine social, environmental, and economic value for the Highlands and Islands.” – said Callum White, Head of Zero Emission Mobility at Urban Foresight.

Urban Foresight’s has previously worked with SATE developing the low carbon surface access strategy for Kirkwall Airport. This project will build on significant experience of delivering regional sustainable transport strategies across the UK, including in the Highlands and Islands, and on expert knowledge of low emission public transport in remote and rural areas.

SATE: Highlands & Islands Regional Pathway to Sustainable Aviation

Partners: Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership, University of the Highlands and Islands, Urban Foresight, European Marine Energy Centre, Windracers, Skyports Deliveries, Hybrid Air Vehicles, Streamline Shipping Agencies, Cormorant SEAplanes, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Loganair, Regional & Business Airports Group and Shetland Islands Council.