Trio highlight importance of air connectivity in the Highlands and Islands
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Three leading regional organisations – Highlands and Islands Airports (Hial), HiTrans and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) – have joined forces to highlight the importance of air connectivity in the area.
Highland Council has also endorsed a move by the trio bodies to submit a joint response to the UK government's Aviation 2050 green paper which outlines proposals for a new aviation strategy for the next 30 years.
The response highlights that for the region to fully contribute to the UK economy it is essential that there are suitable policy mechanisms in place to ensure that the region has slot security at key congested hub airports such as Heathrow, with a timetable that permits daily business trips and at times that enable onward connectivity.
It also highlights the opportunities the Highlands and Islands provides for supporting innovation within the aviation sector.
HiTrans chairman Allan Henderson said: “Our submission has drawn on over a decade of region-specific reports. It provides an evidence base of the distinctive characteristics and requirements of the Highlands and Islands, its air services and how essential this connectivity is to the economic success of the region.
"There is a very clear message that improved and guaranteed air connectivity is critical to the future economy of the Highlands and Islands. Our joint response provides proposals as to how the new strategy can deliver this.”
Inglis Lyon, managing director of Hial, said: “The joint submission highlights the importance of regional, domestic and international air connectivity, the challenges we face and opportunities for the Highlands and Islands to support innovation within the aviation sector.
"Airports and air services are essential elements to the transport infrastructure of the Highlands and Islands, and their contribution to the economic prosperity and social benefits for our communities cannot be underestimated.
"It is important that future strategy and policy recognise the region’s unique characteristics and aviation’s vital role in sustaining economic growth.”
Carroll Buxton, regional development director with HIE, said: “This engagement has been a great opportunity for us to present the case for improved Highland and Islands air services.
"Transport connectivity is a key driver in regional development. It helps attract inward investment, supports growth in local businesses, and helps strengthen resilience in rural communities. The network of airports across the region is a crucial part of this connectivity.”
