Parliamentarians given CAA reassurances on airline safety

In discussions this week with senior management at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Alistair Carmichael MP, Tavish Scott MSP and Liam McArthur MSP sought clarity on safety measures in relation to lifeline air links servicing their island communities.

In recent weeks, both in the House of Commons and the Scottish Parliament, all three Northern Isles parliamentarians have raised the concerns of islanders about problems affecting lifeline air services to and from Orkney and Shetland.

In a joint statement, Mr Carmichael, Mr Scott and Mr McArthur 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 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.”