Viking Air (VKN, Victoria International) has been announced as the winner of a tender to supply two new aircraft to operate on the Scottish Government’s Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes.

The Scottish government said in a statement that the Canadian manufacturer will supply two DHC-6-400s for use on the routes from Glasgow International to Campbeltown, Tiree and Barra. The new 19-seat twin engine planes are expected to be delivered by May 2015, and will enter service once the certification process is completed.

“By purchasing our own aircraft, we will also encourage more competition when the contract for operating the PSO routes comes up for renewal. We will be looking at ways to enhance these services and will engage with passengers, local businesses and other interested parties to look at potential improvements," Transport Minister Keith Brown said. “These new planes mean our PSO routes to Campbeltown, Barra and Tiree will continue to be reliable and attractive to travellers. The communities served by these flights can now look forward to seeing new planes operating on the routes next summer.”

The government announced in 2012 that it planned to acquire two new replacements for the existing Twin Otter aircraft - owned and operated by Loganair (LM, Glasgow International) and whose contract to serve the lifeline route comes up for renewal next year.