AIS Airlines extends Wick–Aberdeen regional air service and looks ahead to further growth
Lelystad, The Netherlands, 30 July 2026 – AIS Airlines has secured a one-year extension of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract for the Wick–Aberdeen route, with the option of a further four-year extension. The renewed contract reflects Air Charter Scotlands’s & the Government’s continued confidence in the airline’s operational performance, reliability, and ability to deliver this vital regional air service.
The Wick–Aberdeen route provides an essential air connection for both the local community and the regional business sector in the north of Scotland. AIS Airlines delivers a safe, reliable and efficient scheduled air service between the two cities.
The contract extension reflects the strong partnership between AIS Airlines and its client while marking another important milestone in the airline’s continued growth within the European regional aviation market.
“We are extremely proud that our customer and the government has once again placed its trust in AIS Airlines,” said Arend van der Meer, CEO of AIS Airlines. “This contract extension is a recognition of the dedication and professionalism of our entire team, who work every day to deliver safe, reliable and high-quality operations.”
Looking ahead, AIS Airlines expects to further expand its regional network in the near future. The extension of the Wick–Aberdeen operation aligns with the airline’s long-term growth strategy and further strengthens its position as a trusted regional aviation partner throughout Europe.
This growth also creates exciting opportunities for the next generation of airline pilots. As part of the AIS Group, AIS Flight Academy provides a fully integrated Airline Pilot Programme, preparing students for a professional career in commercial aviation. With the anticipated expansion of the regional fleet, AIS Airlines expects an increasing demand for First Officers in the coming years. Graduates of AIS Flight Academy therefore benefit from excellent career prospects within the organisation, including the opportunity to start their airline career on the Jetstream 32 fleet.
About AIS Group
AIS Group combines airline operations with professional pilot training under one organisation. AIS Airlines is a Dutch regional airline specialising in scheduled regional services, ACMI operations and charter flights. AIS Flight Academy offers a fully integrated and Modular Airline Pilot Program, training future airline pilots to the highest standards. By integrating flight training with airline operations, AIS Group offers aspiring pilots one of the few training programmes in Europe that combines an integrated Airline Pilot Programme with a direct pathway towards a First Officer position within its own regional airline, subject to successful completion of the training and selection program.
