This year’s Orkney Aviation Festival marked the tenth anniversary of what has become a hallmark industry event. Similarly, we celebrated not only our sponsorship of the festival but also five years of the SATE programme. The festival drew many visitors including from the general aviation community, SATE partners, industry bodies and Orkney residents. Engaging discussions about the future of our industry were had.

Regional relations

A sense of place has always been an integral part of our focus at SATE. We are invested in the continued prosperity of Scotland’s rural communities, and with team members living and working within the Highlands and Islands, fostering strong relationships is important to us.

The festival proved an ideal venue to speak with stakeholders and locals alike about the programme’s benefits to the sector, communities and economy. Engaging panel discussions gave community members the chance to ask questions and share their insights into the project. This is a symbiotic relationship, as the integration of emerging aviation technology will not only increase connectivity in those rural and remote communities to important services, but also generate valuable local employment opportunities.

Changing the paradigm

It is evident that the current model of larger aircraft operating on fewer routes is not sustainable, having led to rising ticket prices and reduced flight options. A key message of this year’s festival was the necessity for a paradigm shift in our industry, moving towards ‘right size’ technologies that promise increased connectivity to vital services and flexible travel options. Such a shift would see both a reduction in CO2 emissions and ticket costs for travellers.

Speakers from Cranfield Aerospace and Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) led discussions on the necessary infrastructure changes that need to be made to achieve this new aviation paradigm. By introducing Cranfield’s cutting-edge hydrogen propulsion system, we could begin an era of zero-emission passenger aircrafts.

Continuing the event’s focus on sustainability, executive director of sales at Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) George Land presented on the Airlander 10, which promises to bring newfound efficiency to the large aircraft space.

At the end of last year, in partnership with AECOM, HITRANS, HIAL, Orkney Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and SATE, HAV carried out a concept feasibility study to deliver a clear picture of Airlander 10’s ability to complement the existing transportation network and provide sustainable economic growth.

We would like to extend our thanks to all who made the Orkney Aviation Festival possible, as well as all those who attend our presentations and discussions. This year’s event was a testament to the bright future of our industry, and we look forward to returning in the years to come.