Santa's Shortcut Could Open Skies For Scottish Airports
Hopes have been raised that travellers using Scottish airports could be in line for new international routes.
It has been reported that airlines have been given permission to fly twin-jet aircraft over the North Pole, saving hours in travelling time, millions in fuel costs and opening up new destinations.
First Minister Alex Salmond has welcomed the development and said officials at Transport Scotland and VisitScotland would urgently seek clarity on the potential benefits for Scotland.
Aberdeen Airport could not comment on the move but Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports, said: "We would need to see more detail to establish if Inverness Airport could benefit from the relaxation of the regulations.
"In general, any support for improving the viability of international air routes directly into the Highlands is welcomed."
The easing of rules about how close twin-jet planes must keep to diversion airports is expected to mean faster, cheaper and cleaner flights.
Until now, America's aviation regulators have insisted that the nearest suitable place to land must be no more than three hours away. That has now been extended to five-and-a-half hours - so long as the airline meets a series of criteria, from additional equipment to special training.
Twin-jet aircraft have always faced tight rules on how far they can be from a diversion airport - the failure of one engine is potentially much more serious than for a four-jet aircraft.
Mr Salmond said: "Coming hard on the heels of recent positive talks in China and the Middle East about exploring new air links, progress on Santa's Shortcut could be a welcome Christmas gift to our tourism, business and aviation sectors.
"While Transport Scotland are already seeking more detail, it could potentially save millions of pounds in fuel costs, opening up new routes and crucially reducing damage to the environment.
"We are already exploring the expansion of our international air connections with key global markets and continue to work very closely with the Chinese and other governments and airlines to develop direct air links."
Mr Salmond said he was delighted that a senior Chinese aviation delegation would travel to Scotland early in the new year to take forward these plans.
He added: "In addition, we continue to argue the case for a state-aid-compliant mechanism which would be effective in supporting our aspirations to improve Scotland's international air links.
"The current EC guidelines severely restrict the amount of aid that can be given and to which airports.
"And we have repeatedly called for the devolution of air passenger duty, which could be an effective mechanism to realise our air-connectivity aspirations.
"The UK Government's dithering alongside an increase in the duty from April 1, 2012, threatens the competitiveness of Scotland's airports in the global market."
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