Regulator meets politicians over Loganair concerns

Northern Isles politicians have held a meeting with senior managers at the Civil Aviation Authority to press the need for clarity on safety measures.

The meeting comes in the aftermath of several recent incidents on flights to and from the isles and follows the revelation that pilots’ union Balpa put in writing its concerns about Loganair aircraft.

Concerns about the standard of the service had already been debated in both the Scottish and Westminster parliaments. This week discussions were held between Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael, Shetland MSP Tavish Scott and his Orkney counterpart Liam McArthur and the CAA, which oversees and regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the United Kingdom.

At Monday’s meeting the CAA confirmed that Loganair, which operates the lifeline flights between the isles and the mainland, meets all European safety requirements.

The Northern Isles representatives stressed that public confidence in the safety and reliability of their lifeline air services is of paramount importance.

In a joint statement the three parliamentarians said: “This was a useful discussion with senior representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority. It enabled us to relay some of the concerns that are being expressed by our constituents and to seek assurances that these are taken seriously by the airline and the regulator.

“The Civil Aviation Authority clarified to us that Loganair’s services meet European safety requirements. They further confirmed that the CAA remains in close contact with all commercial airlines, including Loganair, on a continual basis to provide safety oversight and advice.

“Loganair has acknowledged that improving reliability of their services is an absolute priority. This will, of course, require action on a number of fronts.

“In the meantime, we remain determined to keep representing the interests and views of our constituents, who depend on these lifeline services.”

COMMENTS(2)

Add Your Comment
  • Johan Adamson

    • November 26th, 2015 9:09

    Good there have been positive moves after the public noticed what a shambles the service had become. Having flown lately I noticed a very shiny looking plane on the Edinburgh route, some changes have obviously been made. Still awaiting news though on the future of the service and what planes and runways we will be having in future and when. No doubt this will be in the election surprise parcel. Can hardly wait for all the good news between now and May. Fares also still too high though with the full fare to Orkney (half an hour flight) being £800 for a family of 4. Thank goodness no one ever pays that fare. No wonder people cant afford to visit here.

    REPLY
  • ian r selbie

    • November 27th, 2015 11:13

    November 26th 15, 4.30pm plane broken down and delayed until another plane sent up from Glasgow so take off made at 7pm, I dont know what the regs are but there was no food/drink vouchers on offer.

    REPLY

Add Your Comment

Please note, it is the policy of The Shetland Times to publish comments and letters from named individuals only. Both forename and surname are required.

Comments are moderated. Contributors must observe normal standards of decency and tolerance for the opinions of others.

The views expressed are those of contributors and not of The Shetland Times.

The Shetland Times reserves the right to decline or remove any contribution without notice or stating reason.

Comments are limited to 200 words but please email longer articles or letters to editorial@shetlandtimes.co.uk for consideration and include a daytime telephone number and your address. If emailing information in confidence please put "Not for publication" in both the subject line and at the top of the main message.

200 words left

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.