Logistics UK, a supply chain organization, has mostly praised the Scottish government's most recent aviation statement, but it would prefer to see more aggressive goals for the advancement of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The Scottish Government's plans to secure vital services in the Highlands and Islands, increase Scotland's international connections, and contribute to global efforts to decarbonize aviation are outlined in the Aviation Statement.

Examining ways to increase the production and use of SAF in Scotland; assessing the value added of currently supported routes by the Scottish Government to help realise its vision of Scotland being at least as well connected as comparable nations; reviewing current governance arrangements for local authority and HIAL-operated airports to consider ways to improve operations; and examining how low and zero emission aircraft could improve connectivity for island and rural communities are just a few of the tasks involved.

Logistics UK senior policy manager Alexandra Herdman commented after the statement was released, saying: "Transport Scotland's Aviation Statement is a welcome starting point for wider discussions about connectivity, trade, and decarbonization with the logistics sector."

We are excited to collaborate with the Scottish Government to promote and maximize economic growth in the aviation sector, which is vital to the country's economy and exports.

The organization, however, would have preferred to see a target for agreeing on solutions for growing SAF production and usage in Scotland that was more ambitious than 2030.

According to Herdman, Transport Scotland is under pressure from Logistics UK to adopt SAF more quickly throughout the industry.

"We look forward to more information on how SAF can be produced and used in the upcoming Climate Change Plan. Scotland has the potential to be a trailblazer in SAF production, which would enable faster decarbonization of aviation across the whole of the UK," Herdman added.

"Logistics UK is dedicated to promoting innovation in low-carbon fuels, and our members are eager to learn more about the plans for Glasgow Airport's multimodal hydrogen hub. Should these plans be approved, Glasgow would become the first regional commercial airport to produce and utilize green hydrogen.