Tag: Loganair

Loganair opens applications for 2026 GreenSkies Community Fund

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, is welcoming new applications to its GreenSkies Community Fund after distributing more than £100,000 to local projects over the last five years.

The bespoke environmental initiative, established in 2021, is designed to help charities, community groups, and small businesses to achieve their sustainability goals.

Applications for the fund are now open and will close on 7th May. Over the last five years, Loganair has awarded 24 projects over £100,000 in funding.

Last year’s successful projects included:

  • Murtle Garden in Aberdeen, which received £5,000 to install a new polytunnel in its walled garden, providing 50 young people living with learning disabilities access to a year-round growing and learning environment.
  • Shed the Light in Derry/Londonderry was awarded £5,000 to install a solar generator at Creggan Country Park to support its renewable energy workshops.
  • Winchester Hospice in Hampshire was granted £5,000 to purchase an e-bike and install bike parking to support low-emission palliative home care.
  • Gifford Community Woodland in East Lothian received £3,180 to plant 420 trees in an effort to restore woodland damaged by ash disease.
  • Uigshader Living Forest Project in Portree received £4,185 to purchase battery-powered tools for low-impact peatland restoration.

The variety of projects illustrates the breadth of the impact that the GreenSkies Community Fund has within communities, supporting organisations across a wide range of sectors to reduce their carbon footprint and improve sustainability.

Rebecca Borresen, director of safety and sustainability at Loganair, said: “Through our GreenSkies Community Fund, we’re proud to support the organisations and individuals taking practical steps to make their communities more sustainable. From restoring natural habitats to investing in renewable energy and low-emission transport, the projects we’ve funded so far show how local action can make a real difference.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the innovative ideas that come forward this year and continuing to support initiatives that help reduce environmental impact while delivering lasting benefits for communities across the UK.”

The GreenSkies Community Fund forms part of Loganair’s broader environmental programme, which includes commitments to carbon offsetting, investment in sustainable aviation technologies and achieving the ambitious target of becoming net zero by 2040.

Since its launch, the fund has supported numerous community projects and businesses across the UK in adopting greener practices and reducing their environmental impact.

The GreenSkies Community Fund is funded through a small mandatory carbon offsetting charge applied to every Loganair flight, with proceeds invested in accredited offsetting projects and community initiatives.

Interested organisations can learn more about the fund and submit their applications by visiting: 

https://www.loganair.co.uk/flying-with-us/greenskies-community-fund/

Josh’s Christmas flying dream comes true thanks to Scottish children’s hospice charity and Loganair

Christmas came early for a young boy with a complex heart condition when Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) and Loganair joined forces to make his dream of flying a reality.

As well as a severe cyanotic heart defect, Josh Narrie from East Lothian suffers from DiGeorge Syndrome and chronic lung disease and is awaiting further cardiac interventions. 

The brave youngster, who loves aeroplanes and all things to do with aviation and transport, has never been able to fly due to his poor health so CHAS and Loganair arranged for him to have a magical experience visiting the airline’s hangar at Glasgow Airport as an early Christmas present.

As well as being made an honorary pilot for the day, Josh got to meet Loganair Glasgow Hangar staff and mechanics who gave him his own private tour of the hangar. He was then invited on board an ATR-72 aircraft for the very first time and got to sit inside the flight deck and see all the controls up close.

The excited youngster was then presented with a special goodie bag full of Christmas presents.

Eight-year-old Josh, who is on 24-hour oxygen and bipap overnight and during periods throughout the day, has spent much of his life in and out of hospital, including periods in intensive care.

This special visit was extra special therefore as it provided a chance for Josh and his mum and dad Claire and John to make precious memories together.

Speaking afterwards, Claire said: “We can’t thank CHAS and Loganair enough for this amazing early Christmas present which meant so much to Josh and to us as his parents.

“He is our cheeky, happy chap who loves to be naughty and enjoys pretty much anything that moves especially aeroplanes. Sadly he has never been able to fly due to his low oxygen saturation levels and perhaps will never be deemed fit to fly which is why this experience was extra special.

“Josh spends so much time in hospital and the days can be very long and isolating so days out together are very special, especially ones like this. CHAS always goes above and beyond for us and we think of them as family. We would honestly be completely lost without their support. 

“We are so grateful to both CHAS and to Loganair for making Josh’s dream of finally boarding a plane come true. Seeing his wee face light up meant the absolute world ”

CHAS Senior Partnership Executive Linsey Cairns said: “For many families supported by CHAS, it is often difficult to fly or use other forms of transport because of their child’s complex needs.

“Our important partnership with Loganair means we can bring smiles, comfort, and precious memories to children and we are so grateful to them for facilitating this special visit for Josh and his mum. These are the moments that matter – moments where families can simply enjoy being together and create happy memories that they’ll treasure forever.”

Alex Bridgewater, Communications Manager at Loganair, said: “As part of our continued support for CHAS, Josh’s visit to the Glasgow hangar was a special opportunity for our team to create a memorable experience ahead of Christmas.

“After he was unable to take part in our annual CHAS flight, the team worked hard to create an alternative event that allowed Josh and his family to enjoy something unique, at his own pace.
 
“The Loganair Glasgow Hangar team, led by aircraft mechanic Jack Wright, welcomed Josh to the hangar with a personal tour and the opportunity to see the aircraft up close. Supporting initiatives like this is an important part of our commitment to the communities we serve, and partnering with CHAS allows us to make these remarkable experiences possible.”

CHAS’s partnership with Loganair is now in its fourth year. In 2024, the airline introduced a voluntary £2 donation option to online bookings to raise additional funds for the charity.

Loganair also supports the charity’s outreach service CHAS at Home, which has made 1,951 visits in the past year, by providing vital flights for CHAS at Home nurses supporting families in remote and island communities.

For over 30 years CHAS has been caring for vulnerable children like Josh nationwide through a wide range of dedicated services including respite and palliative care at Rachel House and at Robin House in Balloch. The charity also offers a CHAS at Home service that brings specialist nursing care into the homes of children and has doctors and nurses based in hospitals across the country.

The charity recently launched The Christmas That Couldn’t Wait Appeal to bring moments of joy and comfort to children with life-shortening conditions and their families, at a time when they need it most.

To donate to CHAS visit: www.chas.org.uk/appeal.

Loganair marks four-year partnership with CHAS with aircraft naming

Loganair has marked the fourth anniversary of its partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) by naming one of its aircraft in honour of the charity.

The aircraft will carry the charity’s name across the airline’s network, helping raise awareness of its work among passengers and communities across the UK.

“Spirit of CHAS” was formally adopted as the name of the new ATR72-500 plane.

The partnership has developed into a long-term collaboration between the airline and the charity, combining financial support with practical assistance. As part of this, Loganair provides flights for CHAS at Home nurses, enabling them to reach families in island and remote communities where specialist care is often more difficult to access.

Loganair also operate the famous CHAS flight, which this year took place at Glasgow Airport. Seven children and their families went on a sightseeing route along Scotland’s west coast, offering a safe space for families to enjoy air travel and see the incredible sights.

The day included character visits from Snow White, Rapunzel, Spiderman and Batman, who helped make the experience especially memorable for those taking part.

The CHAS flight has become a regular fixture in Loganair’s calendar, having previously taken place from Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports.

Since forming the partnership in 2021, Loganair has raised over £85,000 for CHAS through staff fundraising activities and customer donations on the airline’s website.

Luke Farajallah, chief executive officer at Loganair, said: “CHAS provides an invaluable service to families across Scotland, and we are pleased to continue supporting the charity through both fundraising and practical assistance.

“The naming of one of our aircraft reflects the importance of our partnership and our commitment to helping CHAS continue its work. Our hope is that ‘Spirit of CHAS’ will inspire others to support and promote the amazing work of the charity.

“Our customers’ generosity through the £2 donation scheme has been remarkable, and we’re very proud that their contributions are helping CHAS reach more families who rely on its care and support.”

Rami Okasha, chief executive officer at CHAS, said: “Witnessing the ‘Spirit of CHAS’ plane launch was a delight. We are proud to celebrate four years of our partnership with Loganair and would like to thank them for all their support.

“This important partnership means, we can bring smiles, comfort, and precious memories to children who may die young and their families, at every step on this hardest of journeys.

“Loganair’s special support to CHAS families includes free flights for staff to reach families on Scottish islands who use our CHAS at Home service. CHAS is there for children and families in every part of Scotland, no matter where they live.

“Through customer donations at checkout, Loganair has raised over £40k, helping us to fund essential services, including CHAS at Home, providing a vital lifeline for families, especially those in remote or rural communities.

“Our CHAS at Home team supports children and families in their own homes, providing a range of care and support, including symptom management and emotional support, as well as moments of connection and play.

“The incredible amount raised will help us fund a CHAS At Home Nurse for a year.”

Families could save up to £350 in Loganair’s Tartan Sale

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched its biggest-ever Tartan Sale, offering customers 17% off flights across its network and potential savings of up to £350 on selected journeys.

The sale runs from 29 August to 9 September 2025, covering a wide range of destinations across the airline’s extensive network of over 70 routes. Travellers can book discounted flights from 22nd September onwards.

Coinciding with the Tartan Sale, Loganair has also released its Summer 2026 schedule, enabling customers to plan ahead and secure reduced fares for next year’s peak travel season. This includes services linking key UK cities, lifeline island routes, and connections to major European destinations.

Through its partnerships with leading international airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Aer Lingus, Loganair customers can also take advantage of onward connectivity via hubs such as London Heathrow, Manchester and Dublin, all on a single booking with through-checked luggage.

Luke Lovegrove, chief commercial officer at Loganair, said: “Loganair’s Tartan Sale gives customers the opportunity to book ahead and access reduced fares across a wide range of routes.

“The launch of our Summer 2026 schedule alongside the sale means there is more scope than ever for travellers to plan trips in advance, whether that’s for leisure, business, or to connect with friends and family. Our focus remains on providing reliable, convenient services that link communities across our network and beyond.”

Earlier this year, Loganair was ranked second in the Which? annual customer survey of short-haul airlines, achieving a 72% customer score. The airline received a five-star rating for customer service and four stars for booking, boarding, and cleanliness.

Additionally, the airline was named the most punctual for UK arrivals and departures in Q2 2025 by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, with 86% of its flights arriving and departing on time.

Customers flying with Loganair benefit from a 21kg luggage allowance as standard and convenient connections to the wider UK through the airline’s growing network and partner carriers.

Bookings can be made at loganair.co.uk until midnight on 9 September 2025 via this link: 

https://www.loganair.co.uk/?utm_campaign=tartan-sale&utm_medium=press&utm_source=lm

Loganair to reunite distant friends with free return flights

Loganair is calling on the public to help track down some of the country’s longest distance friendships across its network, as the regional airline looks to bring one deserving duo back together with complimentary flights.

Whether it’s childhood best friends who now live hundreds of miles apart, or university flatmates who haven’t seen each other since graduation, Loganair’s latest Season of Connections campaign is a celebration of friendship that endures, no matter the postcode.

The competition, launching this week on the airline’s Instagram and Facebook channels, invites people to share their story and explain why their long-distance friendship deserves a long-overdue reunion. The winning pair will receive return flights to each other’s city, helping bridge the gap.

It follows the huge response to Loganair’s Christmas giveaway, inspired by its festive advert, Loganair, Actually, offering one lucky winner a year of free flights across Loganair’s extensive network.

Now, Loganair hopes to bring another memorable reunion to life, this time between two friends kept apart by distance but still closely connected.

Lyn MacDonald, head of marketing and brand at Loganair, said: “This campaign is all about celebrating the real, meaningful connections that define our lives, and demonstrating the role regional travel can play in bringing people together.

“Whether it’s been months or years since friends last met in person, we want to help make that reunion possible.”

The competition runs until Sunday, 17 August. To take part, visit Loganair’s Instagram or Facebook pages and follow the link in bio to submit your story.

The winning friends will be announced later this summer, with their reunion taking place in the autumn.

Loganair’s extensive network of flights allows passengers from across the UK and beyond to explore a wide range of destinations. The airline’s 21kg (15kg hold allowance plus 6kg carry-on bag) ensures passengers can bring all they need for trips to reunite with friends and loved ones.

The UK’s leading regional airline, Loganair connects communities across the UK, from remote islands like Orkney, the Isle of Man and Guernsey, to bustling business hubs including Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Codeshare agreements with partner airlines, including British Airways and KLM, open up even more opportunities to connect with friends and family further afield.

Earlier this year, Loganair was ranked second in the Which? annual customer survey of short-haul airlines, achieving a 72% customer score. The airline received a five-star rating for customer service and four stars for booking, boarding, and cleanliness. 

For more information and to enter, visit Season of Connections – Reuniting Long-Distance Friends | Loganair

East Lothian community revives woodland ecosystem with help from Loganair’s GreenSkies fund

A community-owned woodland in East Lothian is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a grassroots replanting project supported by Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.

Gifford Community Woodland has received £3,180 to plant 420 native trees in a part of the woodland devastated by ash dieback, a crucial step in restoring the biodiversity and long-term health of the forest.

The woodland, situated just outside the village of Gifford, was purchased by the local community in 2017 after decades of commercial neglect. It was saved from sale to private interests thanks to a determined local campaign.

With support from the Scottish Land Fund, East Lothian Council, Fallago Environment Fund, and a village-wide fundraising effort, the woodland became one of Scotland’s newest community-owned assets, now managed by volunteers for conservation, education, and wellbeing.

“From the start, the message from the community was clear: we want to protect and restore the ancient woodland, and make it accessible for everyone,” said Neville Kilkenny, a fungal ecologist and Project Manager.

“This GreenSkies grant allows us to replant native species in an area badly affected by ash dieback, not just with trees, but with the entire plant communities they support. It’s about recreating a whole ecosystem. Planting the right trees supports the resilience of other diverse communities associated with an ancient woodland ecosystem.”

The pack of trees being planted – including silver birch, hazel, and varieties of oak – have been carefully selected to mirror the natural makeup of the site, creating resilient woodland habitats that can withstand future climate pressures.

The woods have been opened up to the public for the first time through a new path network, including accessible routes to ensure the entire community can enjoy the woodland.

Since taking ownership, Gifford Community Woodland has become a thriving hub for environmental learning and community connection.

Forest school programmes bring local children into the woods to learn about nature hands-on, while volunteer events and guided walks, covering everything from bat monitoring and moth traps to fungi, lichens and bryophytes surveys, help residents build a deeper relationship with the land.

The woodland is also supporting the next generation of conservationists, with young people and students gaining valuable experience in ecological surveying and woodland management.

The ash dieback outbreak, which could result in the loss of 90% of the UK’s ash trees, has had a visible impact on the site. But community resilience has emerged just as strongly.

“We’re not just replacing trees,” Neville Kilkenny said. “We’re restoring the woodland with the community involved at every step. People here are learning how ecosystems function; how fungi, trees, soil, insects and mammals all interact.

“It’s a slow process, but it’s creating something incredibly strong and long-lasting.”

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, established the GreenSkies Community Fund in 2021 to support local sustainability projects across Scotland and beyond. Through the fund, a portion of each ticket purchased contributes to environmental and community initiatives focused on climate resilience and decarbonisation.

Rebecca Borresen, director of safety and sustainability at Loganair, said: “Gifford Community Woodland is a brilliant example of local climate action in practice. Their approach is thoughtful, inclusive, and rooted in science and place. This isn’t just tree planting, it’s community-led ecosystem restoration with generational impact.

“Our GreenSkies programme is focused on creating real change on the ground as well as in the air. Gifford Community Woodland embodies the kind of project we’re proud to champion.”

Graham is finalist in competition to win a year of free flights

An Edinburgh man has been named as a finalist in Loganair’s A Season of Connections competition, which could see him win a year’s worth of free flights.

The image shows proud uncle Graham Stevenson, 56, surrounded by his nieces and nephews on the beach at Cornwall, preparing to enjoy a festive Santa duck race organised by his family.

Christmas holds special significance for Graham, whose birthday falls on Boxing Day. Each year, he travels to Cornwall to reunite with his siblings and their families, celebrating both occasions with festive cheer.

The youngest of four siblings, Graham has always been at the heart of his family’s Christmas celebrations, bringing his love of the festive season with him wherever he goes.

As a finalist for Loganair’s A Season of Connections competition, Graham and two other entrants have the chance to win a year’s worth of free flights for themselves and a companion on Loganair’s extensive network, while two runners-up will be treated to return flights for two on the airline’s iconic Glasgow to Barra route, which famously lands on the beach.

Inspired by the airline’s uplifting and heartwarming Christmas advert, Loganair, Actually, the competition asked entrants from across the UK to submit an image or video that captures a heartwarming moment of connection with their loved ones.

Jan Wigley, Graham’s sister, said: “Christmas is Graham’s favourite time of the year. He loves getting together with family, meeting the new babies, and playing games with his nieces and nephews, who are his pride and joy, especially with the help of Loganair’s special assistance service, which makes sure he’s able to travel down to Cornwall with the support he needs.

“Winning this competition would make the festive season even more special for Graham and give him the chance to share more time with his family.”

Graham, who lives with learning disabilities, has lived for almost 40 years at Garvald Home Farm Community near West Linton.

The social enterprise supports adults living with learning disabilities to live and work on a farm according to biodynamic principles.

Graham said: “I love going to Cornwall to see my family, especially at Christmas. It’s my favourite time of year, and being with my nieces and nephews makes it even better.

“I am so excited to see the new babies in the family and spend time with them.”

Lyn MacDonald, head of marketing and brand at Loganair, said: “Graham’s story truly embodies the spirit of our A Season of Connections competition, which is all about celebrating the connections that make life so special.

“His festive family traditions and the joy he brings to those around him are incredibly heartwarming.”

Public voting for the finalists is now open and will run until midnight on Wednesday, 23rd January 2025. The winner will be announced on Saturday, 25 January 2025.

Passengers flying from Edinburgh and Newquay can explore a diverse range of destinations. From Edinburgh, travellers can enjoy direct flights to cities like Cardiff, Exeter, and Southampton, or head further afield to Bergen, Newquay, and the Isle of Man.

Meanwhile, passengers departing from Newquay can seamlessly connect to Scottish destinations such as Edinburgh and Aberdeen, as well as routes to Manchester, Newcastle, and beyond. With its expanding network, Loganair provides convenient travel options for both leisure and business travellers across the UK and Europe.

To vote for Graham visit the Loganair Facebook page.

To book flights, visit www.loganair.co.uk.

CHAS children take flight with Frozen favourites thanks to Loganair

Children with life-shortening conditions in Scotland and their families were invited to Edinburgh Airport for a special sightseeing flight where they were accompanied by some of Disney’s most popular characters. 

On Saturday, 15 children who receive care and support from the charity Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) were invited by Loganair to experience Scotland from the skies on a sightseeing flight from Edinburgh up the east coast of Scotland and back again.

In a bid to provide a truly magical experience, Loganair partnered with Wish Upon a Star Kingdom for the annual CHAS flight to bring Elsa and Anna on the journey with them for the ultimate Disney experience.

Additionally, Edinburgh Airport’s iconic mascot, EDI The Pilot was on hand to welcome the children to the airport, flanked by James Smith – a member of the security team – who volunteered his time to entertain the children and soar the skies with them as Batman.

Experiencing flying for the first time as a family were siblings Ruhee, Rayan and Khadijah Mahmood. Their dad Viqar said: “They’ve been looking forward to this for weeks and have been very excited today.

“The excitement reached new heights when Ruhee was able to soar the skies with Batman, and his sisters, who are big Frozen fans and regularly dress as Anna and Elsa at home, were able to join the princesses in the sky.”

In support of the day, British Airways provided access to its lounge in Edinburgh Airport, providing a VIP experience for the children and their families. There they experienced a meet and greet, storytelling and sing-a-longs with the Disney princesses and other characters before taking off to see Scotland from the skies – the first time some of them have experienced a flight. 

Reflecting on the day, Viqar said: “The amount of organisation that went into today was worth it when you see their faces.

“They’ve had the best time, thank you.”

Loganair and CHAS have a long-standing relationship having embarked on a partnership three years ago. In June 2024, the regional airline announced it would be adding a voluntary £2 donation option to all its online ticket bookings in a bid to bolster its commitment to the charity even further.

In addition to supporting with monetary donations, Loganair provides flights to CHAS at Home nurses, who support families in remote island communities.

This flight marks the third occasion of the annual Loganair flights for CHAS children and their families across Scotland, with previous flights at Glasgow and Aberdeen Airports. Employees also volunteer at Robin House, one of the charity’s two ‘home from home’ hospices in Balloch, tending to the garden throughout the year and decorating the hospice at Christmas time.

Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive Officer, Loganair said: “It is our upmost pleasure to provide a unique and captivating experience for the children and young people of CHAS – it means a huge amount to the families that take part in the trip.

“The CHAS partnership is something that we value hugely, and we are thrilled to play a part in the lives of these incredibly special young people.

“Every year we are committed to bringing joy and happiness to young people and while the sightseeing flight around Scotland is the icing on the cake, we were pleased to be able to partner with Wish Upon a Star Kingdom this year to make the experience as magical as possible.”

CHAS is a children’s palliative care charity which strives to reach and support children and their families across Scotland who are living with life-shortening conditions, offering much-needed respite and continual care. It is CHAS’ ambition to make sure that no one in Scotland has to face the death of their child alone.  

Through its partnership with CHAS, established in 2021, the airline has provided staff nurses and the family support team with flights for CHAS at Home services, offering specialist medical care, vital respite and practical support to families across the country within their own homes.

Nikki Corrigan, Service Manager for Outreach at CHAS said: “Our partnership with Loganair has been invaluable to CHAS in helping us be there for families where they need us most, which for many families is in the comfort of their own home.

“As well as the essential support Loganair provides in helping us reach families in more remote areas of the country, days like this give children and their families the opportunity to have an unforgettable experience together, making joyful memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t thank them enough!”

Loganair would like to extend its thanks to all its partners who have helped to make the special day happen, including Edinburgh Airport, Menzies Aviation and OCS.

On-board babies: twins return to Loganair to mark 40 years since their sky-born delivery

Special birthday celebrations have taken place as airborne twins mark 40 years since their delivery on board an air ambulance with the UK’s largest regional airline Loganair. 

40 years ago, on 13 August, twins Lynsey and David Henderson were uniquely born almost 40 miles apart. The eldest of the two, Lynsey was delivered by Dr. Freshwater on the special Britten-Norman Islander air ambulance flight as it flew over the sea enroute from Tingwall Airport to Aberdeen.

Younger brother David waited until wheels-down on the runway at Aberdeen Airport to make his special appearance. 

Twins Lynsey and David, who had arrived four weeks earlier than their due date, were then whisked to Aberdeen Hospital for review, alongside first-time mum Mandy Henderson and dad Adrian Henderson.

Ten days later, after a short stay in hospital, Mandy and Adrian returned home to Shetland, this time with planned company from their new-born baby twins. 

Earlier this week, Lynsey and David were both welcomed back to Shetland by Loganair to be presented with a birthday gift of flight tickets from Captain Eddie Watt at Sumburgh Airport.

It was an extra-special meeting as Eddie Watt gifted birthday treats from the airline to David and Lynsey some 19 years ago for their 21st birthday.

Still flying Loganair to this day, coincidentally the twins landed in Sumburgh on a Loganair flight from Bergen to be greeted by the airline staff.

Lynsey had recently competed in the gruelling Norseman Triathlon with encouragement from her support team, which included brother David. Lynsey, a chemist at The Sullom Voe Terminal in Shetland, secured her place at the Norseman following success at the Celtman Extreme Triathlon in the Scottish Highlands and has previously competed for Shetland at the Island Games. 

The special delivery on board back in 1982 welcomed just two of over 20 airborne childbirths that Loganair has supported throughout its 60-year history. As the UK’s largest regional airline and one that flies to more island destinations across Britain than any other airline, it still plays a significant role in transporting patients to mainland hospital appointments today.

More recently, Loganair renovated its regular DHC-6 Twin Otter and Saab 340 aircraft into air ambulances to support the Scottish Ambulance Service with transfers during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

David Henderson, a civil servant based in Lerwick, said: “It’s nice for a couple of ageing twins that our birth, on an ambulance flight 40 years ago, has become a small part of the history of the important Shetland to Aberdeen route.

“Our thanks to Loganair for marking the occasion.”

Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair’s Chief Executive, said: “We have a long history of connecting communities for all kinds of travel requirements, including the unexpected ones.

“David and Lynsey are part of a small but elite club of babies born on board with Loganair and it was great to present them with a small token to mark their 40th birthday celebrations. We’re very proud to still play an important role today in connecting remote communities to the mainland for NHS treatment.”

Behind the scenes with the UK’s largest regional airline

What really happens when the wheels are down

If you’ve ever wondered what really happens in an airline beyond take-offs and landings, a new ten-part BBC series launching next Monday will offer an exclusive insight into the lives of the younger members of the team at Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline.

Loganair provided all-areas access to camera crews from Mentorn Scotland over several months – filming from as far afield as Shetland and the Outer Hebrides to London Heathrow, as 11 of the airline’s team, ranging from Captain to Aircraft Engineer, balanced their personal lives with the busiest summer at work they’ve faced to date.

It’s far reaching, with the UK’s first commercial pilot living with HIV attempting to update aviation legislation to achieve his dream, while one cabin crew member seeks advice from her best friend as she strives to become a pilot.

The show also follows the UK’s youngest captain from Edinburgh as he juggles life in the air with his love of street performing and his long-distance relationship in Shetland, and an engineer who faces her biggest challenge yet as she converts a plane into an air ambulance in time for a patient to be transported the following morning.

The series also captures the close friendships of those at Loganair as it shows best mates from Manchester and Mauritius settling into their new lives as pilots in Aberdeen, and a special family moment as one pilot surprises his mum with a flight to an island to thank her for her support throughout his career – the first time she’s ever been on a commercial flight with her son flying the plane.

The first episode of Sky High Club lines up for take-off on BBC Scotland at 22:00 on Monday 15 August, with a second instalment on Thursday 18 August.    BBC Three launches the series nationally from 20:00 on Thursday 18 August with two back-to-back episodes.  

A “series drop” of the entire ten episodes will be available through the BBC iPlayer from Monday 15 August.

Jonathan Hinkles, CEO of Loganair, said: “We are all incredibly proud of those who participated in Sky High Club and everyone in the wider team who made it possible.

“During a busy summer, when the entire aviation industry was faced with changing covid restrictions and huge challenges, it was a daunting prospect to invite a TV crew behind the scenes of our airline.  For this to work in the best possible way, we gave the camera crews full access to behind-the-scenes life at Loganair, and I’m truly grateful to the stars of the show for volunteering to share their personal and truly inspiring stories as part of the journey.

“It is our hope that it provides  fantastic encouragement and insight for those contemplating a career in aviation – whether in the air or on the ground – and that we are able to continue welcoming a diverse range of new recruits into the Loganair family.”

Sky High Club, produced by Mentorn Scotland, is the result of a commission from a creative partnership of BBC Three, BBC Scotland and Screen Scotland.

The scheme invited local Scottish Independent production companies to pitch innovative, factual entertainment format ideas that reflect the life experiences young people, with the promise of a guaranteed series commission.