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

The Highland Council

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

02 Sep 2026 at 01:00

OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice
Tender

16 Dec 2025 at 00:00

OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Highland Council procured scheduled air passenger services from Wick John O’Groats Airport to Aberdeen Airport and Edinburgh Airport. The service is intended to maintain and expand air connectivity in the north of Scotland, supporting access for travellers, businesses and local communities and helping stimulate the regional economy. The requirement covers comprehensive timetable and frequency options that can be adjusted to demonstrable demand without a further procurement. The appointed operator is expected to work closely with the Council during delivery, supported by clear communication channels and regular contract management meetings. This is a passenger air transport service rather than an airport construction, maintenance or ground-handling contract. The delivery locations are Wick Airport, Aberdeen Airport and Edinburgh Airport.

The procurement is complete and has been awarded following an open procedure. It comprised one lot, with tenders due by 16 February 2026 at 12:00 and bids opened at that time. Air Charter Scotland Ltd was selected as the supplier, with the award recorded on 16 February 2026. The active contract was signed on 29 July 2026 for £7,956,000, and the stated contract period is 720 days, with a possible extension of up to 24 months. Evaluation allocated 60% to price and 40% to quality. Variant tenders were allowed, provided the core scope and requirements were not materially changed. Bidders were required to submit in English, and a document access fee applied. The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement.

This opportunity is relevant to established air service operators able to run scheduled passenger routes between regional airports using suitable aircraft. A credible future supplier would need the appropriate licences and accreditations for the proposed routes and aircraft, together with the operational capability to provide dependable timetables and adjust flight frequency in response to demonstrable demand. The requirement also favours operators able to present comprehensive service options, forecast income and expenditure, and manage subsidy claims where applicable. An environmental policy aligned with government guidance, objectives and targets is required. Suppliers should be prepared for close, collaborative contract management with the Council, regular performance discussions and clear communication. The single submitted bid, from an SME, indicates that the requirement can attract specialist aviation businesses rather than only large groups.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000818605
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=SEP563662
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

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
£7,956,000 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Sep 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
16 Feb 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
29 Jul 20261 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
December 2029

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
The Highland Council
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
INVERNESS
Postcode
IV3 5NX
Postcode Area
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Air Charter Scotland Ltd

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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