Electric Aviation Project SEAN in Scotland's Highlands and Islands Receives £1.5 Million Funding

Project SEAN, a consortium aiming to advance electric aviation across Scotland's Highlands and Islands, will begin demonstration flights in 2027 following confirmation of £1.5 million in funding from the UK Department for Transport. The initiative brings together partners from the aviation, infrastructure, and regional transportation sectors.

The Scottish Electric Aviation Network (SEAN) plans to explore how electric aircraft can enhance regional connectivity, support sustainable air services, and serve remote communities. The project is led by Bristow Helicopters Ltd. and includes BETA Technologies Inc., Electric Aviation Maven, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS), and Skyports Infrastructure.

A three-month flight program will utilize BETA Technologies' all-electric ALIA CTOL (CX300) aircraft. Flights will operate from a hub at Inverness Airport, connecting with regional airports such as Wick John O'Groats Airport. This phase aims to gather operational data and assess aircraft performance, charging infrastructure, and airport readiness for future electric flight operations.

Building on lessons from previous zero-emission aviation initiatives, Project SEAN intends to provide evidence-based recommendations for the future commercial deployment of electric aircraft. The project is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and contribute to broader decarbonization goals.