Project SEAN (Scottish Electric Aviation Network) is a collaborative initiative demonstrating how electric aircraft could support sustainable regional air services across Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.
Led by Bristow Helicopters Ltd. and supported by £1.5 million in funding from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Flight Demonstrator competition, the project brings together industry and regional partners, including HITRANS, BETA Technologies, Highland and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL), Electric Aviation Maven and Skyports Infrastructure.
The project will deliver a three-month programme of demonstration flights using BETA Technologies’ all-electric ALIA CTOL aircraft, operating from Inverness Airport to selected regional airports, including Wick John O’Groats Airport. Electric aircraft charging infrastructure will also be installed at Inverness Airport to support zero-emission flight operations.
Through its leadership of the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) programme, HITRANS will contribute its expertise in sustainable aviation innovation, working with industry, airports, regulators and communities to support the development of electric aviation in the region.
Project SEAN will generate valuable real-world evidence on aircraft performance, charging infrastructure and airport readiness, helping to inform the future commercial deployment of electric aircraft and support sustainable connectivity for communities across the Highlands and Islands.