Tender

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

THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

16 Dec 2025 at 10:00

Summary of the contracting process

The Highland Council is actively seeking tender submissions for the provision of scheduled flight services between Wick John O’Groats Airport and Aberdeen/Edinburgh Airports under the title "North Scotland/Wick John O’Groats Airport PSO Scheduled Flight Services". This procurement falls within the air transport services category and aims to boost connectivity in North Scotland. The tender is currently in an active stage, with submissions being accepted until 16th February 2026, and the contract likely to commence shortly thereafter. Interested parties should note the 720-day duration of the contract period, with potential for a 24-month extension. This open procedure allows electronic submissions and encourages timely dispatch to ensure compliance with all requirements. The tender aligns with community benefit policies and aims to foster collaborative engagement with Transport Scotland for subsidy discussions.

This tender presents a unique opportunity for airlines, particularly those capable of offering adaptable services to meet fluctuating demand. Businesses well-versed in air transport with a solid track record of environmental responsibility and relevant licences are perfectly placed to take advantage of expanding their services. The emphasis on maintaining consistent communication and the potential contract extension offers sustained growth and partnership benefits. Successful bidders will play a pivotal role in enhancing regional visibility and fostering economic stimulation, aligning with The Highland Council’s strategic goals of maintaining accessible and desirable travel options for diverse groups including tourists and local communities.

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Notice Title

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

Notice 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 Information

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.

Renewal: An extension for a period of up to 24 Months is possible.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f648
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083162-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60400000 - Air transport services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
16 Feb 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
December 2029

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL
Contact Name
Julie Cromarty
Contact Email
julie.cromarty@highland.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
INVERNESS
Postcode
IV3 5NX
Post Town
Inverness
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM2 Highlands and Islands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM20 Highlands and Islands
Delivery Location
TLM50 Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, TLM6 Highlands and Islands, TLM75 City of Edinburgh

Local Authority
Highland
Electoral Ward
Inverness West
Westminster Constituency
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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