The airline completed the milestone in partnership with BETA Technologies, an American electric aerospace company, flying BETA’s ALIA CTOL – a battery-powered fixed-wing aircraft – from Glasgow to Dundee on Thursday 19 March.

The flight launches a two-week programme during which the electric aircraft will operate across Loganair’s network, carrying freight, mail and essential goods including medical supplies, whilst generating valuable data on real-world commercial performance.

The milestone flight signals a significant step towards decarbonising short-haul aviation, with Loganair positioning Scotland at the forefront of next-generation aircraft technology.

Luke Farajallah, CEO at Loganair, said: “This is a landmark day for European aviation, and in-particular for Scotland’s airline Loganair. We are not talking about concepts, prototypes, or distant ambition, this is a real tangible programme of flying across our network which will provide invaluable data on how an electric aircraft could perform in a real commercial environment.

“For regional airlines, the route to net zero must be practical, affordable, and operationally viable. Electric aircraft have the potential to transform short haul flying, protecting vital air links while significantly reducing carbon emissions.

“For Loganair, this reflects our practical approach to sustainability - testing credible solutions that can reduce emissions while protecting the essential regional connectivity our communities rely on. As the UK’s largest and leading regional airline, we are committed to playing an active role in the transition to lower-emission aviation.

“The trial builds on our wider sustainability efforts, including fleet modernisation, operational efficiency improvements, software implementation, and the exploration of sustainable aviation fuel. We are very excited about being at the vanguard of a greener future for aviation.”

First Minister John Swinney said: “I am pleased to see Loganair make history as the first commercial airline to trial an all-electric aircraft across its network.

“This next-generation technology ensures that Scotland is well placed to play a leading role in reducing the carbon emissions associated with aviation, while supporting regional connectivity for communities in the Highlands and Islands.

“I would like to congratulate Loganair for the work involved in reaching this important milestone and thank them for their continued efforts in supporting sustainable aviation.”

Keir Mather, Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, added: “We’re backing UK business with £43 million to power up green aviation and it’s great to see Loganair leading the charge towards greener aircraft and zero emission flights.

“Zero emission aircraft, hydrogen fuels and advanced air mobility will unlock economic growth, reduce climate impacts from flying, and help deliver our airport expansion plans to boost connectivity and growth whilst creating highly skilled jobs across the UK.”