Information Bulletin
31 August 2004
Council to Tender for Inter-Island Air Service
The Council's Infrastructure Committee agreed today to tender the provision of inter-island air services to Fair Isle, Foula, Papa Stour and Skerries for one year, up to March 2006. The existing contract, operated by Loganair Ltd, expires on 31 March 2005.
Speaking after the Committee met the Council's Transport Spokesperson, Councillor Gordon Mitchell, said that the one year contract would secure the provision of the service while the Council evaluated the changes currently being made to the ambulance service contract. "These services have traditionally been provided by the same operator and that has meant that the overhead costs associated with basing an Islander aircraft in Shetland have been shared. Clearly that position will change but the existing ambulance service contract runs for another year and by aligning our arrangements with that date we are giving ourselves time to properly evaluate the position and plan for the future."
He added that he did not want people in the islands to be unduly concerned about the future of the inter-island air service. "The Council will still be responsible for the Public Service Obligations on these routes and will continue to specify the frequency of the service and the fares. If we put out a one year contract now we will have a full year to put together proposals for the future and we will be consulting with the island communities to get their input before any recommendations go to the Council."