Reflecting on Progress and Looking Ahead 

As the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) programme approaches its conclusion of the current phase in March 2026, we are proud to reflect on the achievements, partnerships, and innovation that have helped shape the future of sustainable aviation across the Highlands & Islands. 

Over the past year, SATE has continued to demonstrate the region’s unique capability as an adopter for next-generation aviation technologies, helping build momentum for cleaner, smarter, and more connected air transport solutions. 

With this phase of the project formally concluding in March 2026, work is now underway to finalise the programme’s legacy and future direction. 

A comprehensive strategy will be published shortly, outlining a roadmap for the introduction of novel aircraft into the region. The strategy will help ensure the momentum built through SATE continues beyond the lifetime of the project. 

SATE and its partners would like to thank Innovate UK, specifically the Future Flight Challenge team, for their continued support throughout the years. Without this grant funding the project would not have been possible.  

Windracers  

Launch 2026 

Representatives from HITRANS (SATE lead partner) recently attended the Launch 2026 event hosted by Windracers. The afternoon showcased their successes in 2025 and highlighted key achievements, collaborations and the future outlook for the company.  

Events like this really highlight the pace of innovation happening across the sector and the importance of collaboration to turn potential into real-world impact. 

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Lukas Princ – Project Manager Scotland at Windracers, Jayne Gourlay – SATE Project Coordinator at HITRANS, Dawn Gillies – Sustainable Aviation Development Manager at HITRANS and Cllr Uisdean Robertson HITRANS Chair photographed at the event beside the ULTRA aircraft, used in SATE trials.

Round Table 

Windracers invited Dawn Gillies, Sustainable Aviation Development Manager at HITRANS, to take part in a round table at Westminster. Sponsored by Paul Holmes MP and hosted by Andrew Sharpe OBE, thediscussion brought together senior leaders from across industry and government on the future of UK autonomous aviation. This included officials from the UK Ministry of Defence, Department for Transport (DfT), Civil Aviation Authority, UK Research and Innovation, and CBI (Confederation of British Industry). 

A clear message emerged from the discussions: while the UK has made significant progress in unmanned aircraft systems, enabling routine commercial operations will rely on creating practical and scalable pathways for deployment. Achieving this will require continued collaboration between industry, regulators, and policymakers, alongside the development of robust operational frameworks and a shared commitment to supporting commercial adoption. 

Autonomous aviation has the potential to transform logistics, strengthen regional connectivity, support defence applications, and improve services for remote communities. The focus now is on creating the right environment for these technologies to grow and operate at scale.

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Dawn Gillies – Sustainable Aviation Development Manager at HITRANS photographed along with other attendees at the Round Table event.

Memorandum of Understanding 

Earlier this year, HITRANS and Windracers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for expanding drone air cargo services across the Highlands & Islands. 

The partnership aims to: 

• improve regional freight connectivity 

• support resilient supply chains for remote communities 

• accelerate the adoption of low-emission aviation technologies 

This collaboration represents another important step toward integrating advanced air mobility into everyday regional transport operations. 

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Lukas Princ – Project Manager Scotland at Windracers, Simon Muderack – Chief Executive Officer & Vice Chairman at Windracers, Ranald Robertson – Partnership Director at HITRANS and Dawn Gillies – Sustainable Aviation Development Manager at HITRANS photographed during the signing of the MoU at the Inverness Town House Chamber.

We would like to extend our thanks to Windracers for hosting these events and for continuing to support innovation in the Highlands & Islands by partnering with SATE. 

Regional Transport Strategy 

HITRANS has recently launched its updated Regional Transport Strategy (RTS), setting out a long-term vision for sustainable, connected transport across the Highlands & Islands. 

The strategy recognises the important role aviation will continue to play in: 

• connecting remote communities 

• supporting economic growth 

• enabling decarbonisation through innovation and new technology 

SATE has played a key role in demonstrating how sustainable aviation can contribute to achieving these wider regional transport ambitions. 

Read the full strategy here.  

Collaborate to Innovate (C2I) Awards Recognition 

Although we did not take home the award, we were delighted that SATE was recognised in the 2025 Collaborate to Innovate (C2I) Awards. 

Being shortlisted alongside leading aerospace and defence projects was a significant achievement and reflects: 

• the strength of collaboration across the consortium 

• the innovative nature of the programme 

• the impact of sustainable aviation activity taking place in the Highlands & Islands 

Thank you to everyone involved and to those who supported the nomination. 

Attendance at the Loganair-Beta-Royal Mail Event 

Members of the SATE partnership were pleased to attend the recent Loganair, Royal Mail and BETA Technologies electric flight demonstration event, marking an important milestone for the future of sustainable regional aviation in the UK. 

Over a ten-day programme, BETA Technologies’ ALIA electric aircraft operated across Scotland in partnership with Loganair and Royal Mail, demonstrating how electric aviation can successfully integrate into existing regional air transport networks while supporting essential connectivity and cargo services. 

The programme represented a significant step forward for zero-emission regional aviation and reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared ambition in accelerating the transition to more sustainable air transport. 

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Ranald Robertson – Partnership Director and Dawn Gillies – Sustainable Aviation Development Manager both from HITRANS, along with other SATE partners and stakeholders photographed at the event beside the BETA ALIA aircraft.

Looking Ahead 

While the SATE project formally concludes in March 2026, the work does not stop here. 

The programme has helped establish the Highlands & Islands as a leading location for the introduction of zero/low emission aircraft and autonomous operations into the transport mix.  

Looking ahead, partners will continue to build on the foundations created through SATE, seeking opportunities to: 

• attract further investment 

• expand operational trials 

• support commercial deployment of sustainable aviation technologies 

• influence national and international policy development 

The future of sustainable regional aviation is becoming increasingly tangible, and the Highlands & Islands remain at the forefront of that journey. 

Thank you to all our partners, stakeholders, communities, and supporters who have contributed to SATE’s success. 

– The SATE Team