Loganair orders greener aircraft for fleet

Loganair has announced a series of new multi-million-pound agreements as it moves to complete the renewal and futureproofing of its aircraft fleet by 2023.

The airline is introducing further eight ATR next-generation turboprops into service.

They will operate routes from Glasgow Benbecula and Stornoway as well as Islay, Sumburgh, Kirkwall, and Derry in the first few months of next year.

The company’s remaining eight Saab planes will progressively leave the fleet between now and July having been sold to new operators in North America through a $12 million agreement.

Pilots, cabin crew and engineers are being trained on the new planes.

The new ATR turboprops will bring up to a 27% reduction in carbon emissions per seat versus the Saab 340 which operate on Loganair’s Highland and Island routes.

The completed ATR fleet will have an average age of only eight years and bring enhanced capacity across the network with more passenger seats on each flight, in addition to more cargo and mail hold space for its charter services.

They are also equipped to use satellite-based approach systems, enabling operations to continue safely in conditions of reduced visibility such as fog or low cloud – a common issue faced across Highlands and Islands destinations.

Loganair already has 15 of the ATR next-generation turboprops in service, including four of the 72-seat ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft and four dedicated ATR 72-500 freighter aircraft which have taken over mail delivery flights to and from the Highlands and Islands in recent months.

The Saab type will progressively leave the airline’s fleet between now and July 2023 and will continue their flying careers with new operators in North America.

With the first of a series of new agreements already signed, leasing company Abelo joins Nordic Aviation Capital and Falko as providers of aircraft to Loganair.

Loganair Chief Executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “The Saab 340s have served us, and our customers, superbly well over the last two decades but it’s time for us to transition to a new generation of aircraft.

“In selecting our future fleet, it’s important to have an aircraft which builds upon our environmental credentials while withstanding island weather conditions and providing accessibility for all customers in the communities we serve – we’ve found all those characteristics and more in the ATR turboprop.”

Loganair orders greener aircraft for fleet

6 November 2022