New research has shown that creating a sustainable aviation industry could potentially create up to 2,500 jobs across the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

The study forms part of Project Eilean, a Scottish Government sponsored project designed to tackle transport challenges and become net zero by 2045.

The project brought together UK aerospace companies including independent digital engineering research company the Centre for Modelling & Simulation (CFMS). In collaboration with Rolls-Royce, Loganair, University of Strathclyde and Scottish Enterprise, the group researched the viability of a low-emissions aircraft capable of short haul operations across Scotland’s furthest-flung regions.

The groups were previously exploring the creation of an aircraft capable of short-haul operations across the Highlands and Islands.

By modelling a new concept that could be applied to existing aircraft – specifically the 19-seater Loganair DHC Twin Otter 400 Series – CFMS used digital analysis to assess alternative fuel sources, including electric battery, hydrogen electric, and hybrid fuel (diesel and electric).

In its report, the company also outlined six flight paths linking the region to major Scottish hubs that could reduce reliance on road or rail transport while boosting tourism.

Through increased passenger numbers and more sustainable aviation, this could lead to a jobs boost of up to 2,500 new roles in the Highlands and Islands alone, in addition to an increase in skills retention and development within the existing resource pool.

Chief Technology Officer at CFMS Ian Risk explained: “Project Eilean shows the possibilities for sustainable aviation in Scotland, and the significant future impact this could have on the aerospace industry. There is the potential to create new routes, boost tourism, improve connectivity and create new jobs, whilst paving the way to achieving net zero by 2045.

“Our team have worked with aerospace experts to identify a shared solution to Scotland’s transport challenges. Enhancing connectivity links is vital for communities cut off from other modes of transport and, through digital engineering, we have identified potential routes that not only optimise sustainability but have the potential to create thousands of jobs; a truly economic proposition for Scotland.”

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The report comes as the Scottish Government announced three pilot schemes to help Scotland’s tourist hotspots pave the way to net zero; and follows the publication of the second Strategic Transports Projects Review (STPR2), which highlighted the need to make transport in Scotland more sustainable.

However, while the report showed a clear global market – in excess of 2,000 aircraft – for regional green aviation, it noted that the progress from concept to reality would require lighter batteries with up to ten times the existing power storage to be developed.

Hybrid fuel could increase fuel efficiency by 12% but, with bigger targets to meet, shorter term solutions including hydrogen fuel were suggested as ways for the industry to reduce its footprint.

With the potential to reduce emissions by 80%, but at a higher cost, CFMS recommended the integration of green aviation fuel requirements into wider hydrogen initiatives.

Head of Sustainability at Loganair Andy Smith said: “This report confirms the significant opportunity, both at an industrial and a social level to utilise the wealth of aerospace expertise and capability in Scotland to develop a low carbon airliner suitable for the Highlands and Islands.”

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