THE Scottish Government has published a strategy to boost the aviation sector while meeting key net zero targets.

The new Aviation Statement and Key Priorities document considers how to secure lifeline services in the Highlands and islands while considering increasing the production and use of sustainable fuel.

Yet the strategy also calls for more flights to take off and for Scotland to be “at least as well-connected as leading peer regions”, leading critics to argue it does not go far enough to tackle climate change.

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Aviation policy is reserved to the UK Government, although Scottish ministers have said they will continue to “influence” the nationwide “jet zero” strategy which aims to deliver net zero across domestic flights by 2040 and full sector net zero by 2050.

Connectivity minister Jim Fairlie (below) said the strategy sets out “the strategic importance of aviation to Scotland and the specific actions we will take to help ensure we can continue to enjoy its many benefits, while significantly reducing emissions in line with our net zero ambitions”.

He added: “I expect this report to stimulate a more positive and constructive conversation about aviation and how best to harness the significant economic, social and cultural benefits it provides.

“The reserved nature of aviation means that we will continue to influence the UK Government so that Scotland can benefit fully from their jet zero strategy which applies across the UK.

“The outcomes in this statement will only be achieved if we work effectively with airlines, airports and other interested groups, and I will ensure we have ongoing engagement with the sector to make our vision a reality.”

'Hot air and environmental window dressing'

But the strategy has received criticism from the Scottish Greens, who have argued that the plan “fails to show climate ambition”.

The party called on the Scottish and UK Governments to work together to reduce the number of flights taking off and landing in Scotland and to deliver an Air Departure Tax on flights taking off in Scotland.

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The Greens have also called for a frequent flyer levy on the small number of people who are responsible for the majority of aviation, with exceptions for those in remote areas who are using lifeline services.

These changes would help to fund investment to cut the price of rail to make it an affordable and viable alternative to domestic flights, the party said.

Commenting, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie (below) said: “The Scottish Government is trying to have it both ways on aviation, pretending they can get lower emissions with more flights.

"The only way to reduce the damage done by aviation is to cut the demand for flights, anything else is simply hot air and environmental window dressing.

“We won’t deliver the climate action we need with business as usual. It needs politicians and governments that will live up to the urgency of the crisis we face."

Harvie added: “If the UK government is remotely serious about working with Scotland to cut our emissions then the Air Departure Tax must be applied and fast.

“Pressure must be put on the new Labour government to work positively and constructively with the Scottish Parliament to protect our environment and deliver the change that is badly needed.”

A spokesperson for AGS Airports, which owns and operates Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, welcomed the strategy, but said: “This now needs to translate into a clear and ambitious policy framework that sets out how government and industry can work together to strengthen the vital international and domestic connectivity on which we are so reliant, while at the same time ensuring Scotland is at the forefront of harnessing the technologies that exist today to reach our net zero goals.”