Latest News

Read about the latest developments in SATE

  • Could synthetic aviation fuels offer a smarter path for Scotland’s energy transition?

    Could synthetic aviation fuels offer a smarter path for Scotland’s energy transition?

    Neil Kermode, Managing Director, EMEC This article is based on a talk Neil gave to the Scottish Energy Forum on 24 October, 2024 The challenge in finding a sustainable alternative to aviation fuel could offer new opportunities for Scotland’s carbon capture and green hydrogen industries, says Neil Kermode, Managing Director of the European Marine Energy Read more

  • Aviation in the Northern Isles – past, present and future

    Aviation in the Northern Isles – past, present and future

    Andrew Rae, Professor of Engineering, University of the Highlands and Islands The Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) project was initially predicated on evaluating existing and emerging technologies against real-world use cases. Over time, it has extended into an understanding of how the new and different operational and economic possibilities these technologies provide can enhance the Read more

  • Scottish sea bird colonies  unaffected by Windracers ULTRA flights

    Scottish sea bird colonies unaffected by Windracers ULTRA flights

    A study on seabird colonies conducted by ornithologist Dr. Roy Armstrong and ecologist Caitlin Henderson has found no signs of disturbance as a result of recent drone flights operated by Windracers to and from Eday in Orkney. The findings are significant given drone companies are looking to serve Scotland’s remote island communities, where numerous sensitive Read more

  • Discussing the future of aviation at Orkney Aviation Festival

    Discussing the future of aviation at Orkney Aviation Festival

    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 Read more

  • A sustainable transport journey ‘delivered by drone’

    A sustainable transport journey ‘delivered by drone’

    Windracers, the maker of low-cost self-flying cargo aircraft the ULTRA™ completed 9 weeks of trials in Scotland and has produced a summary video. Windracers operated a scheduled service over 9 weeks, with its ULTRA self-flying cargo aircraft – a robust, twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft with a 10-metre wingspan – moving autonomously between the islands of Eday, Read more

  • Self-flying cargo aircraft set to complete 9 weeks of trials creating ‘delivery route’ to remote Scottish communities

    Self-flying cargo aircraft set to complete 9 weeks of trials creating ‘delivery route’ to remote Scottish communities

    Windracers, the maker of low-cost self-flying cargo aircraft the ULTRA™, is set to complete a self-flying cargo aircraft service trial in Orkney this week. This means faster, more convenient and more reliable delivery services to residents and businesses on the remote islands. Windracers has been operating a scheduled service over 9 weeks, with its ULTRA Read more