Ministerial Foreword
Ministerial Foreword
Scotland is an open, welcoming and well-connected country.
Our international, national and regional air connections have allowed us to flourish economically and culturally. Visitors to Scotland enjoy our world-class tourist attractions; our businesses seize new opportunities from international trade; and our higher education sector welcomes new learners from across the globe. And for many of our most remote communities, the local air service is a vital lifeline, allowing travel to and from the mainland for business, tourism, leisure, and to receive NHS services. The aviation sector is a substantial employer, delivering many highly skilled jobs, apprenticeships and career opportunities.
We know, however, that the industry faces two enormous challenges over the short and long term. Airports and airlines have been particularly badly hit by Covid, while our net-zero commitments mean that business as usual is not an option. The Scottish Government has set world-leading climate change targets and we are committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. This will include Scotland's emissions from aviation.
We are in no doubt that these are difficult times and we are under no illusion about the enormity of the challenge. But the Scottish Government is determined to work with the sector to ensure that we emerge stronger, well placed to challenge our international competitors and to deliver vital environmental improvements.
For the first time, the Scottish Government intends to produce an aviation strategy which will consider how we can continue to enjoy the economic and social benefits of air travel while meeting our net-zero targets. This discussion document invites your views on how we can achieve these goals, helping us to devise our strategy.
It's a difficult but exciting journey where the potential rewards for Scotland, our businesses and our communities are enormous, even life-changing. We look forward to your contribution.
Graeme Dey MSP
Minister for Transport