Loganair – The Airline of Scotland
Loganair is a Scottish airline headquartered at Glasgow Airport, Scotland. Founded in 1962, the airline has grown to become one of the largest regional carriers in the United Kingdom, operating domestic and international services. Loganair’s primary focus is on providing connectivity between remote and regional locations, particularly in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Northern Isles, where alternative transport options can be limited. One of their destinations is the Shetland Islands where I flew Loganair back in October. The Shetland Islands is one of the most remote island group in Europe and a destination I had been very interested in visiting for some time.
Loganair began as a small air taxi and charter operation, serving business travellers and providing freight and passenger services within Scotland. Over the years, it expanded its route network and fleet, evolving into a scheduled regional airline. Today, Loganair operates both public service obligation (PSO) routes funded by the UK government and commercial routes linking regional airports with larger hubs such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester.
Loganair’s network includes scheduled services to more than 50 destinations. Many of these flights connect remote Scottish islands, including Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles, to the Scottish mainland. The airline also serves regional airports in England, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man. A limited number of international services operate to destinations in Norway, Ireland, and the Channel Islands. The airline’s focus on regional connectivity has made it a vital part of transportation infrastructure for communities in areas with limited road or ferry access.
The airline operates a fleet composed primarily of turboprop aircraft, which are well-suited to short-haul flights and the often challenging weather conditions encountered in northern regions. The fleet includes models such as the Saab 340, the ATR 42, and the De Havilland Canada Dash 8. These aircraft are chosen for their reliability, efficiency, and ability to operate from shorter runways commonly found on island and rural airports. In addition to turboprops, the airline has occasionally operated jet aircraft for specific charter or commercial services.
Loganair maintains a focus on operational reliability and safety. As a regional airline, it operates under strict regulatory oversight, complying with European and UK aviation standards. The airline’s staff includes pilots and cabin crew trained to operate in a variety of weather and terrain conditions. Many of the routes require short takeoff and landing procedures, particularly on island runways, and the airline’s pilots receive specialised training to ensure operational safety under these conditions.
The airline’s business model combines scheduled services, PSO contracts, and charter operations. PSO routes are typically subsidised by government authorities to ensure essential connectivity for communities that would otherwise be underserved. These contracts are particularly important for routes serving the Northern Isles, Western Isles, and other remote areas. Commercial routes, on the other hand, include flights linking regional airports to larger hubs or serving business and leisure travellers in regions with higher passenger demand.
Loganair is a member of the wider network of airlines that provide regional connectivity across the UK. It has codeshare agreements and partnership arrangements with major carriers, allowing passengers to book connecting flights and benefit from integrated ticketing. This network integration supports regional economic development by enabling easier travel for business, education, and tourism.
Customer experience is a key focus for Loganair. The airline offers services suitable for short-haul travel, including allocated seating, baggage allowances, and in-flight refreshments on selected routes. I found the flights to be professionally operated with great staff onboard. The cabins are typically configured for efficiency and comfort over short distances, with seating designed to accommodate small to medium-sized groups. For travellers to and from remote communities, the airline also provides essential freight and cargo services, including mail, parcels, and perishable goods.
The airline’s headquarters in Glasgow coordinates flight operations, maintenance, scheduling, and customer service. Additional operational bases are located at key airports across the UK, including Aberdeen, Inverness, and Belfast City. These bases support aircraft positioning, crew changes, and local operational management. Maintenance is conducted both in-house and through approved third-party providers, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and continuity of service.
Loganair has historically emphasised the importance of regional development and community engagement. Its services contribute to economic growth in remote areas by improving access for tourism, facilitating business travel, and connecting communities to larger transport hubs. The airline is also an important employer in northern Scotland and other regional areas, providing jobs for pilots, cabin crew, ground staff, and administrative personnel.
Environmental considerations are increasingly part of Loganair’s operations. Like many regional airlines, it faces the challenge of balancing connectivity with fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. The use of modern turboprop aircraft contributes to lower fuel consumption on short-haul flights compared with jet aircraft. The airline has also explored operational efficiencies and sustainable aviation practices to reduce environmental impact while maintaining reliable service for remote communities.
Over the decades, Loganair has received recognition for its reliability, safety, and essential service provision. Its role in connecting island communities, supporting local economies, and integrating regional airports into broader transport networks has made it a significant operator in the UK aviation sector. While relatively small compared with national carriers, its focus on regional operations and expertise in short-haul services have ensured its continued importance in the UK air travel landscape.
In summary, Loganair is a Scottish regional airline that combines scheduled services, government-supported routes, and charter operations to provide essential connectivity across the UK. Its fleet of turboprop aircraft is suited to short-haul operations and island airports, while its network ensures access to remote communities and links them with larger urban hubs. The airline’s operations support regional development, tourism, and business travel, making it a vital part of the transportation infrastructure in northern and rural areas. Through its focus on reliability, safety, and customer service, Loganair has maintained a strong position in UK regional aviation for over six decades.
