Awarded contract

North Scotland/Wick John O’Groats Airport PSO Scheduled Flight Services

Details

Supplier(s)
AIR CHARTER SCOTLAND LIMITED
Value
£7,956,000
Topic
Air transport services
Published
2 September 2026

Tender description

THC is in discussions with Transport Scotland regarding subsidy provision for this service to help encourage airlines to offer their services and work in collaboration with THC to achieve these benefits. THC consider that continuing air services between Wick John O’Groats Airport (WIC) and Aberdeen (ABZ) and expanding these to include Edinburgh (EDI) shall enhance the visibility of the area and help stimulate the economy to ensure that the north of Scotland remains accessible and desirable for travellers, business people and the local community alike. THC consider that an expanded air service will be an exciting and prosperous venture. THC are therefore looking for equally enthusiastic air service operator(s) to work with the Council in making these positive outcomes a reality and are welcoming tenders on this basis. Lot 1: A scheduled air passenger service between Wick John O’Groats Airport and both Aberdeen and Edinburgh Airports. Tenderers shall be able to price a range of comprehensive timetabling and frequency options, so that the services can be flexed according to demonstrable demand, without the need to re-tender. The Highland Council intend to work closely with the air operator throughout the life of the Contract to ensure successful delivery. To that end, there shall be clear communication channels established and regular contract management meetings to help reinforce the collaborated approach.

Timeline

  1. Completed: Award date29 July 2026
  2. Completed: Award published2 September 2026
    Current notice

About the buyer

Highland Council is the local authority for Scotland's largest council area and runs procurement through a dedicated Procurement Unit. Larger contracts are advertised on Public Contracts Scotland, the national tendering portal for Scottish public bodies. Smaller purchases are handled as direct quotations, with staff approaching at least three suppliers. Commercial and Procurement Shared Services pools buying expertise across Highland, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils. Contract standing orders set out the rules for open, fair and accountable procurement. The Supplier Development Programme offers free bid training to businesses bidding for council contracts.

UK local government drives £140bn in annual procurement, led by social protection (£66.6bn) and education (£57.1bn).

Over the past 5 years, most of Highland Council's contract awards have been in construction work, architectural and engineering services and repair and maintenance.

Relevant CPV codes

  • 60400000 · Air transport services

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