Electric Aircraft Focused Amid Oil Price Surge
A surge in oil prices linked to the US-Israel conflict involving Iran has intensified attention on the development of electric aircraft, according to Loganair's chief executive.
The Glasgow-based airline is collaborating with US electric aerospace firm Beta Technologies on a project to trial a battery-powered plane.
Luke Farajallah stated the long-term goal is to operate electric aircraft for both passenger and freight transport.
Meanwhile, the airline aims to shield customers from the financial impact of rising costs driven by the ongoing war.
Loganair operates routes throughout the UK, including services to the Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland, and parts of northern Europe.
Farajallah told BBC Radio Orkney:
"The [electric aircraft] trial we are undertaking is one of the most exciting phases of my career to date, and it has come at a very interesting time in global history terms.
"The oil price spiking as it has done over the last few weeks has really brought sharply into focus the need for us to find alternative methods of energy to propel our next generation of aircraft."
He explained the trial with Beta involves an operational aircraft model that has been in production for several years.
Farajallah envisioned electric aircraft potentially operating "short hop" flights in Orkney in the future.
He acknowledged concerns about rising fuel prices but noted that Loganair has already secured half of its fuel requirements for the upcoming year through a "locked in contract" at a fixed price.
Additionally, the airline recently increased its fuel reserves by 20 to 25%.
Farajallah emphasized that Loganair is making every effort to avoid transferring the "burden" of increased costs to customers.
"We might need some small adjustments, but right now we would like to make sure that we don't increase proportionately air fares with the way fuel prices are going," he added.
Large Electric Aircraft Developments
Last year, proposals emerged for a vehicle capable of crossing water like a boat or plane as a potential transport solution for parts of Scotland.
US company Regent, developing the Seaglider technology, and the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (Hitrans) began early collaboration on this project.
Regent, based in Rhode Island, is designing the all-electric Viceroy Seaglider to travel on water via its hull, skim across the surface on a hydrofoil, and fly at low altitude.
Hitrans has been exploring various transport innovations to improve connectivity for island and rural communities.
In 2024, Hitrans indicated that six large electric aircraft could potentially be deployed to carry passengers and freight on Scottish regional air routes.
Bedford-based Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) has been assessing how its Airlander 10 transport vehicle could operate from locations including Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles, and the Highlands.
