A new maintenance hangar for Orkney’s inter-island air services will be officially opened at Kirkwall Airport this afternoon (Tuesday 17 October).

The hangar was developed in partnership by Orkney Islands Council and Highlands and Islands Airports. The facility will provide an operating base for Loganair’s Islander aircraft which serve the outer isles.

The new building, which replaces an out of date hangar at the airport, was constructed with £750,000 of OIC funding and a £300,000 capital contribution from HIAL. The airport also provided the land for the project via a lease to the council.

Loganair undertakes the OIC Public Service Obligation contract and provides air services from Kirkwall to the North Isles of North Ronaldsay, Westray, Papa Westray, Sanday, Eday and Stronsay using two 8 seat Britten Norman Islander Aircraft based in Kirkwall. More than 21,000 passengers use these local services every year which are of great social and economic importance to all the Islands.

The hangar was formally opened by Bryan Sutherland, Loganair’s longest serving engineer and members of the council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee then toured the facility with Loganair chairman Scott Grier and Kirkwall Airport manager David Blackman.

Councillor Bob Sclater, chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said: “Construction of the new hangar is an important part of the council’s commitment to a continuing future for the inter-isles air service, which plays a crucial role in sustaining the social and economic life of the isles.

“The new hangar is a modern and up-to-date environment for maintaining aircraft, and it will help to ensure continuing employment for those who look after the aircraft. It continues the programme of investment which has taken place at the airport over recent years, including the new terminal, the Instrument Landing System, and the new control tower, which have benefited all airport users.”

Scott Grier, chairman of Loganair, said: “Our company has been providing air services from Kirkwall to the North Isles since 1967 – and always from what was a converted World War Two nissen hut. Having this wonderful new maintenance facility marks an exciting new beginning for Loganair in Orkney.”

David Blackman, Kirkwall Airport manager with HIAL said: “The new hangar will support Loganair’s maintenance operation for Islander aircraft at the airport and the valuable jobs this provides. We are pleased to again have been involved in an effective partnership with Orkney Islands Council on this project.

“The inter-island air services provide vital lifeline links and the new hangar will play an important part in supporting their future role in the islands.”