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.
AIS Airlines and Air Charter Scotland expand Scottish regional network with new Glasgow connection
AIS Airlines and Air Charter Scotland expand Scottish regional network with new Glasgow connection
Lelystad, 17 August 2026 – Starting TODAY, AIS Airlines will further expand its operations in Scotland with new connections between Wick, Aberdeen and Glasgow. The expansion forms part of the existing Public Service Obligation (PSO) agreement, which has recently been extended for one year, with the option of a further four-year extension.
Operated in cooperation with Air Charter Scotland, the network expansion represents an important step in strengthening connectivity throughout the Scottish Highlands. The additional services will provide residents, businesses and visitors with improved access to both Aberdeen and Glasgow, while further supporting economic and social connections across northern Scotland.
Network expansion
As of today 17 August, the route network will consist of a combination of services between Wick (WIC), Aberdeen (ABZ) and Glasgow (GLA).
The schedule includes:
- Monday: Wick – Aberdeen – Glasgow / Glasgow – Wick
- Tuesday: Wick – Aberdeen – Wick
- Wednesday: Wick – Glasgow – Wick
- Thursday: Wick – Aberdeen – Wick
- Friday: Wick – Aberdeen – Glasgow
- Sunday: Glasgow – Aberdeen – Wick
The addition of Glasgow marks the next phase in the development of the Scottish network. AIS Airlines and Air Charter Scotland are currently exploring further opportunities to strengthen regional connectivity across northern Scotland, with additional destinations expected to be announced in the near future.
Growth creates new career opportunities
To support the continued expansion of the operation, Air Charter Scotland has opened recruitment for additional crews to operate the Jetstream 32 fleet. Both type-rated and non-type-rated candidates are invited to apply for positions across several Scottish bases.
The first selection procedures are already underway, and a new training course is expected to commence at the end of August or early September. Initially, pilots holding both UK CAA and EASA licences will be required.
The expansion of the network not only strengthens regional air connectivity but also creates new career opportunities within the regional aviation sector in Scotland.
Investing in the future
Alongside its activities as a regional airline, AIS Airlines continues to invest in the future of aviation through AIS Flight Academy. Offering a fully integrated flight training programme and a direct pathway to the Jetstream fleet, the academy provides aspiring pilots with a unique career opportunity.
The continued expansion of the Scottish network underlines the growth ambitions of both AIS Airlines and Air Charter Scotland, while creating opportunities for the next generation of aviation professionals.
About AIS Airlines
AIS Airlines is a Dutch regional airline specialising in scheduled services, charter operations and regional connectivity throughout Europe. Operating from Lelystad Airport, the airline provides essential air links between regional destinations while investing in the training of future aviation professionals through AIS Flight Academy.
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.
