Wick
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 786
Likes: 8
From: London
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 24
From: Blighty
The tender period for bids to fly at Wick closed last week on Thurs 02 Dec. Anyone know if there was at least 1 suitable bid, and when an announcement of the winner is likely to be ?
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT429822
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT429822
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,270
Likes: 18
From: Europe
Well, the deadline for the submission of tenders was extended twice with somewhat strange explanations, if that is an indication...
Due to disruption caused by Storm Arwen, The Council have decided to extend the deadline by a further 2 days. It is recognised that tenderers may have had to direct their resources to operational areas rather than producing a tender on the lead up to the deadline. By extending further, it is hoped that tenderers will have more time to produce a suitable tender.
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 52
From: UK
…would suggest noone is interested.
Perhaps seasonal only would work when tourists can boost the otherwise low business/local numbers, which were in decline. Was a dire grim place last time I was there. Even the JOG tourist landmark area was run down and areas boarded up and closed. That was way before covid. Can’t see much investment going there.
Perhaps seasonal only would work when tourists can boost the otherwise low business/local numbers, which were in decline. Was a dire grim place last time I was there. Even the JOG tourist landmark area was run down and areas boarded up and closed. That was way before covid. Can’t see much investment going there.
Fit like min?
Joined: Nov 2004
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 4
From: ...
Suggest VV is right when I saw the previous post referencing Storm Arwen. Looks like Wick's future is as a fuel stop for light aircraft en route to & from the N. Atlantic. If only someone could have incorporated WIC into the NC500 circuit & yes - developed JoG!
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 282
Likes: 38
From: Godalming
Does anyone know what the aircraft and frequency requirement(s) are for the contract as it doesn't state these even on the Full Notice Text?
Is this information confidential and only accessible to potential bidders?
Is this information confidential and only accessible to potential bidders?
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Inverness
Highly unlikely Wick will be left as just a fuel stop, albeit the main reason will be political. However there is a market with the general public if the times and prices are right. A daily service to both Edinburgh and Aberdeen hopefully will transpire, perhaps twice a day. Loganair, Eastern, Flybe, Emerald Airlines and Wideroe possible candidates I’d think. Best of luck to them.
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 49
From: BMA
Highly unlikely Wick will be left as just a fuel stop, albeit the main reason will be political. However there is a market with the general public if the times and prices are right. A daily service to both Edinburgh and Aberdeen hopefully will transpire, perhaps twice a day. Loganair, Eastern, Flybe, Emerald Airlines and Wideroe possible candidates I’d think. Best of luck to them.
Fit like min?
Joined: Nov 2004
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 4
From: ...
I'm old enough to remember the days of BA on a leased Gulfstream 1 or a Gill SD330 on ABZ/WIC/ABZ... changed days indeed. Can't recall if Air Ecosse ever flew it. Struggle to get a C152 now on it!!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 823
Likes: 129
From: Dorset
Neither Wideroe nor Emerald (at this stage) have a UK Operating Licence and AOC, so neither has the traffic rights to fly domestically within the UK. They'd be ruled out of bidding for the PSO on that basis alone.
Flybe with a Q400 has to be fanciful at best.
Unless Airtask have come up with something - and it's difficult to see what - then it looks like a straight Eastern J41 v Loganair 340 contest is the most likely.
Flybe with a Q400 has to be fanciful at best.
Unless Airtask have come up with something - and it's difficult to see what - then it looks like a straight Eastern J41 v Loganair 340 contest is the most likely.
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 9
From: Oban, Scotland
Seriously though any essential users are going to want a early flight to either Aberdeen or Edinburgh and a late flight back. That means either a based aircraft (no chance,) or putting a Wick call into a flight from/to Kirkwall.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 24
From: Blighty
AirTask have an aircraft (admittedly rather small) based in Oban, which is hardly a great metropolis.
What would be needed to make Wick a single aircraft base for these routes ?
Significantly more PSO cash ? Stronger engineering support ? Better navaids ? Anything else ?
I realise Wick is not exactly EDI... but my question is asked in genuine curiosity
What would be needed to make Wick a single aircraft base for these routes ?
Significantly more PSO cash ? Stronger engineering support ? Better navaids ? Anything else ?
I realise Wick is not exactly EDI... but my question is asked in genuine curiosity
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 677
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From: Suffolk, Diss, UK
Having worked for Loganair when they ran this route from Edinburgh, the loads were very woeful then at times hence why it went, I'd have a feeling not even with the funding they would be that interested.
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,270
Likes: 18
From: Europe
That kind of PSO would be best suited to an outfit like AIS Airlines that has operated various PSOs across Europe with Jetstream 31s. They are pretty much a flight school with an attached airline that serves as a launching pad for their students. i(I guess should it ever come to crewing a Wick base, they would need to resort to drawing straws)..
PS I might be a little biased as far as WIC is concerned. My elaborated plan to log WIC as one of the few remaining UK airports I have not travelled from ended up in a Loganair minivan driving me down to INV at breakneck speed (and that was the day after Loganair had to cancel various intra-Orkney flights I was booked on). 'Nuff said...
PS I might be a little biased as far as WIC is concerned. My elaborated plan to log WIC as one of the few remaining UK airports I have not travelled from ended up in a Loganair minivan driving me down to INV at breakneck speed (and that was the day after Loganair had to cancel various intra-Orkney flights I was booked on). 'Nuff said...
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 282
Likes: 38
From: Godalming
AIS Airlines would also not be permitted to bid for it because it's a UK route and EU-based airlines are no longer allowed to operate domestically within the UK due to Brexit; I do agree though that a Dornier Do-228, BAe Jetstream 31 or DHC-6 Twin Otter would likely be the most suitable aircraft.
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 52
From: UK
Double drops might be feasible or triangle routes. Something might be better than nothing, but don’t see this coming to much or with any longevity