Aviation strategy

To help inform the development of a Scottish Government Aviation Strategy, we asked for views on what this strategy should include. The consultation focused on four key areas: the transition to low and zero-emission aviation, Scotland’s international connectivity, Scotland’s domestic connectivity and airfreight.  We also sought views on what else the aviation strategy should cover.

In total 93 responses were received to the online consultation. 38 responses were from individuals and 55 from organisations, with a broad range of different organisations and interests represented. We also ran four stakeholder workshops to discuss specific consultation topics.

Respondents had different views on what the Aviation Strategy should try to achieve. Some suggested that the strategy should be ambitious in seeking to restore and grow Scotland’s connectivity, taking action to increase Scotland’s competiveness in the global aviation market and responding to the challenges resulting from COVID-19. Others put forward the view that, in the light of the climate emergency, Scotland should not be seeking to restore 2019 levels of connectivity and should instead consider introducing measures to reduce aviation demand. There was, however, broad support for measures to support the development and use of hydrogen/electric aircraft and sustainable aviation fuels that meet strict environmental criteria.   

A number of respondents also highlighted the important role that air services play in providing connectivity in the Highlands and Islands and suggested how these could be improved.

Some respondents put forward suggestions for other areas to cover in the Aviation Strategy including noise, surface access (travel to and from the airport) and General Aviation. 

We have published non-confidential responses to the consultation and an independent analysis of the consultation responses. The independent analysis of the consultation responses can be found on the Transport Scotland website.  It includes the reports of the stakeholder workshops.

Work is now underway to develop the aviation strategy, building on the ideas and suggestions from the consultation as well as relevant Scottish Government strategies and polices.

A number of respondents to the consultation offered to work with the Scottish Government on the next stage of developing the Aviation Strategy. We will consider these offers, alongside what other engagement might be needed, as we progress the work to develop the strategy.

We expect to publish the Aviation Strategy at the end of this year/ beginning of 2023.