The Airtask Group and its subsidiary Hebridean Air Services are to operate a Tecnam P2012 Traveller in the British Isles commercial market. The aircraft was acquired on 30 December by Monte Global Asset Management, a specialist investment firm focused on financing mission critical and sustainable regional aircraft.

The firms will fly the aircraft on lease. It is scheduled to serve the essential Public Service Obligation (PSO) route between Stornoway and Benbecula in Scotland. Currently, this route supports the local community with four scheduled return flights a day, three days a week.

The sale was facilitated by Oriens Aviation, the authorised Tecnam sales centre for the British Isles. This transaction highlights the P2012 Traveller's growing reputation as the premier platform for essential regional connectivity, specifically designed to replace aging heritage fleets in demanding operational environments.

Rachel Ford, director of operations for Airtask Group, states: “The arrival of the Tecnam P2012 marks an exciting milestone for Airtask. We are extremely grateful to Oriens and Monte who have worked with us to deliver the aircraft. The aircraft will enhance services on our existing routes, delivering an improved passenger experience for the remote communities we serve. Whilst operations will not commence immediately due to the necessary regulatory processes, the P2012 will play a key role in strengthening regional connectivity as soon as approvals are complete.”

Francesco Sferra, P2012 sales and business development manager at Tecnam, adds: “We are incredibly proud to see the P2012 Traveller enter the British Isles market. This aircraft was designed specifically to offer a modern, more comfortable, safe, and cost-effective solution for short-haul routes that connect remote communities. After personally proofing the aircraft in Scotland in an early 2025 demo tour, now seeing the P2012 selected for the rugged and demanding environment of the Scottish Hebrides confirms that we have delivered on that promise. We look forward to supporting Hebridean Air Services, Airtask and Monte in this new chapter of regional connectivity.”

The planned start of operations is scheduled for Q1 of 2026. Before entering service, the aircraft will undergo a proving flight with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to be formally registered on the Airtask Group's AOC.

The introduction of the P2012 Traveller represents a modernisation of the fleet serving the Hebrides, promising enhanced passenger comfort and reliability.

Raymond Eyre, chairman of Monte, says: “We are thrilled to have acquired and leased our first Tecnam P2012 to Airtask, a highly capable and efficient aircraft designed for reliable operations in demanding regional environments. The P2012 plays a critical role in providing connectivity to remote communities worldwide, and this acquisition will form a key part of our special missions platform supporting a broad range of mission-critical operations.”

James Cracroft, senior sales manager at Oriens Aviation, concludes: “We are delighted to introduce the first Tecnam P2012 Traveller to the UK market, enabled by Monte Global Asset Management and operating under the Airtask Group. This aircraft will play a key role in keeping communities connected, providing a convenient point-to-point scheduled service between Stornoway and Benbecula. The P2012 Traveller has demonstrated in many varied environments around the world that its rugged design and low operating costs make it the ideal platform for delivering this type of service, and we are excited to bring this superb aircraft to more destinations across the British Isles.”