Transport Scotland's policy is to deliver sustainable economic growth in Scotland and we recognise that improved accessibility makes Scotland more attractive for business, inward investment and inbound tourism.
We are continuing to work with airlines and airport operators on the development of new international air routes which would cut out the need for connecting flights. Ultimately, however, the routes and schedules they wish to operate is a commercial matter for the airlines themselves to decide and not one in which the Scottish Government can intervene.
Restrictive European guidelines put in place in 2007 have prevented the provision of a successor to the Route Development Fund (RDF) which would significantly influence airlines’ route development decisions. The RDF was established in November 2002 to improve business connectivity and inbound tourism access all year round. Prior to the RDF, the majority of international traffic to Scotland was routed through hub airports such as Heathrow. The RDF contributed to a dramatic improvement in Scotland’s direct international air network by concentrating only on those routes that helped business and in-bound tourism.
The European Commission is currently reviewing these guidelines on start-up aid for airlines and the Scottish Government will contribute to any consultation exercise in the hope that more liberal guidelines will prevail. In the meantime, the Scottish Government continues to support route development through direct engagement with airlines and the provision of market and route analysis on the potential of the Scottish market to sustain new direct international air services.
