Provision of Air Services

Argyll and Bute Council intends to procure a four-year contract for the provision of scheduled passenger air services between Oban, Coll, Colonsay and Tiree. The contract is expected to commence on 16 September 2027 and will be supported by a fixed annual subsidy.

The successful operator will be responsible for the design, operation and marketing of the service and associated reporting requirements. Argyll and Bute Council is providing advance notice of its intention to procure a contract for the operation of scheduled passenger air services between Oban and the islands of Coll, Colonsay and Tiree.

The contract is expected to commence on 16 September 2027 and continue for a period of four years. The service is supported through a fixed annual subsidy and forms an essential transport link for island communities, providing access to healthcare, education, employment, business, public services and tourism opportunities.

The Council intends to adopt an output-based approach and encourages operators to develop innovative proposals. Tenderers will be free to determine, within the available subsidy, their proposed aircraft type, service timetable, seasonal variations, fare structure, marketing strategy and route development initiatives.

The successful operator will be responsible for the design, operation, promotion and management of the air services, including scholar travel provision, passenger booking arrangements, performance monitoring and reporting. The Council will provide support including a fixed subsidy, waiver of PSO landing and passenger fees at Council-operated airports, office accommodation at Oban Airport and access to airport facilities required for operation of the services. The Council anticipates publishing a contract notice and tender documentation at a later date and is issuing this Prior Information Notice to raise market awareness and encourage engagement from suitably qualified air service operators.