The Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) is pleased to be a partner in Project SEAN (Scottish Electric Aviation Network), a new collaborative initiative that will demonstrate how electric aircraft could support sustainable regional air services across Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.

Led by Bristow Helicopters Ltd., Project SEAN has secured £1.5 million in funding from the Department for Transport through the Zero Emission Flight Demonstrator competition. The project brings together industry and regional partners to explore how electric aviation can enhance connectivity while reducing emissions for some of the UK’s most remote communities.

The consortium includes Bristow Helicopters Ltd., BETA Technologies, Electric Aviation Maven, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), HITRANS and Skyports Infrastructure.

Beginning in August 2026, the project will deliver a three-month programme of demonstration flights using BETA Technologies’ all-electric ALIA CTOL (CX300) aircraft. Operating from a hub at Inverness Airport, the aircraft will fly to selected regional airports across the Highlands and Islands, including Wick John O’Groats Airport.

Alongside the flight demonstrations, Project SEAN will install electric aircraft charging at Inverness airport, creating the essential ground infrastructure needed to support zero-emission flight operations. The project will gather valuable operational data on aircraft performance, charging systems and airport readiness, helping to inform the future rollout of electric aviation across the UK.

As a consortium partner, HITRANS, through its leadership of the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) programme, will contribute its extensive experience in supporting the introduction of sustainable aviation technologies across the Highlands and Islands. Over the past six years, SATE has worked with industry, regulators, airports and communities to develop the region as a leading test environment for low and zero-emission aviation.

Project SEAN builds on this foundation by moving from planning and feasibility work towards real-world demonstration of electric flight operations. The project will generate practical evidence to inform the future commercial deployment of electric aircraft while supporting the region’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable regional aviation.

Ranald Robertson, Partnership Director at HITRANS, said:

“The Highlands and Islands has long been recognised as an ideal environment to demonstrate the next generation of sustainable aviation technologies. Through SATE, we have built strong partnerships across industry, government and academia to help accelerate innovation. Project SEAN is another important step on that journey, providing valuable real-world operational experience that will help shape the future of electric regional aviation while supporting connectivity for our communities.”

The project complements SATE’s wider portfolio of work supporting sustainable aviation, alongside initiatives exploring hydrogen-powered aircraft, advanced air mobility, drones and future airport infrastructure.