Airtask Group of Cranfield in the UK has acquired Hebridean Air Services, an air charter operator that also flies scheduled services on behalf of the Argyll and Bute council from Oban airport and serves the islands of Coll, Collonsay, Islay and Tiree. The group has purchased the shareholding from founder George Cormack, a long-term supplier of engineering services to Airtask Group through Islander Aircraft Services. The group plans to continue its working relationship with Islander Aircraft Services, which will support the company's Britten Norman Islander fleet used for these trips.

Says Airtask group MD Julie Simper: “This year has been strong for us and this acquisition marks another significant step forward, further expanding our capabilities. We have taken time to develop our growth strategy, strengthen our capabilities and seek out appropriate opportunities. Hebridean Air Services is a good fit for us, consolidating 11 years of scheduled public service flights in Scotland for the group.”