Low Carbon Surface Access Scoping Study for Kirkwall Airport

Descriptions

HITRANS is commissioning a Low Carbon Surface Access Scoping Study for Kirkwall Airport as part of the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) project. Led by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), the SATE project sets out to develop a world class aviation research and development (R&D) location at a real world, fully operational regional airport – Kirkwall Airport. This will provide improved UK regional air connectivity, initially in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland where it is vital to enable thriving communities, while also support decarbonisation of the regions transport system. SATE is part-funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. HITRANS is commissioning a consultant to support our role in the project to understand infrastructure requirements and opportunities to accommodate low carbon transport to, from and around Kirkwall Airport, in addition to the alternatively powered aircraft through the SATE project. The Scottish Government has set a target for the Highlands & Islands to be a net-zero aviation region by 2040, and part of this target will be addressing sustainable transport modes to, from and around airports to fully decarbonise the sector. This study will build on earlier work HITRANS has commissioned on electricity requirements and low carbon transport opportunities at remote airports, following completion of a Low Carbon Strategy for Kirkwall Airport in 2018 through Interreg NPA project SPARA 2020, and an EV Strategy for the HITRANS region in 2018. This study will complement previous activities HITRANS has supported at remote airports including electric buses, electric taxis, electric bikes, car clubs and installing rapid charge points.