Loganair Names New Aircraft After Scottish Aviation Pioneer

Loganair has named its newest aircraft ‘Scott Grier’ after its former chairman and president and one of Scotland’s main aviation pioneers.

Mr Grier spent 36 years at the airline - growing it from five aircraft and 44 staff to the largest regional carrier in the UK.

He joined Loganair in 1976 as financial manager. By 1983 he was managing director, steering the airline through a period of unprecedented growth.

Luke Farajallah, Loganair's chief executive, paid tribute to Mr Grier at a ceremony at Glasgow Airport, saying: “Scottish aviation would simply not be in the position it is today without the efforts of Scott Grier OBE. He is a titan of our industry, and it is only fitting that our latest aircraft is named after him and his contribution to our business.

“This ATR-72 will operate across our network for years to come, a fitting tribute to someone who championed connectivity across the country.”

Mr Grier said: “It is a huge privilege to have this aircraft named after me- a very humbling experience. I still get the buzz coming to the airport as I did nearly 50 years ago when my career began.

“The potential for aviation in Scotland is huge, and I am a passionate advocate for the sector and for young people considering a career in aviation.”

In March 1997, Mr Grier succeeded in leading a management buyout that left him chairman and largest shareholder of the company, as he rebuilt the business and the brand.

Across the next 15 years, he would grow turnover from around £5 million to £72.6 million whilst passenger numbers rose from roughly 50,000 to more than 527,000 a year.

Mr Grier retired as chairman in September 2012, at Loganair's 50th anniversary, selling his stake to brothers Stephen and Peter Bond and becoming the airline's first president.

Today, Loganair is the UK’s largest regional airline, employing more than 900 staff and operating out of more than 40 destinations across a 70-route network, including Campbelltown, Shetland, Orkney, as well as Jersey, Isle of Man, London and Dublin.