PSO Air Services

Because of a close involvement with Public Service Obligations and a background in Scotland, we have developed a deep understanding of the challenges of delivering aviation solutions in remote regions.

This awareness can be harnessed to enrich any public sector research, consultations or recommendations that are being commissioned as part of the normal development of public intervention strategy.

Inevitably government has to intervene significantly to keep remote regions linked with metropolitan centres and ensure that modern life can thrive.

There are several different strands and aspirations at stake:

Social inclusion and lifeline services – ensuring those living in remote regions can access many of the conveniences of modern life that we all take for granted – specialist healthcare services, secondary and tertiary education, visiting friends and families, public administration, specialist social services, etc.

Regional development – Many remote communities recognise that an airport and airlink are key determinants of the future prosperity of a community.

Nation building or national integration – Many national PSO programmes have the explicit or implicit aim of linking their remote region with the nation’s capital.

Tourism – It is recognised that much modern tourism is driven by short breaks and the use of air travel. Remote regions cannot fully participate if they rely on road, rail and ferry to deliver their visitors.

Earlier this year Basil O'Fee of Northpoint undertook a joint study 'Analysing the different legal interpretations and uses of PSOs across Europe - A transport authority perspective.' This was accomplished in partnership with Dr Rico Merkert of Cranfield University’s Department of Air Transport. Provisional results were presented at the 7th International Forum on Air Transport for Remoter Regions in Newquay, and a full academic paper will eventually be published.

Several aspects of the research have some local significance and suggest possible local initiatives. For instance Transport Authorities could take more responsibility for PSO route marketing and there is potential for collaboration across PSO clusters and different transport authorities.