Research has revealed that a new sustainable aviation system in the Highland and Islands could create up to 2,500 jobs and improve mobility around the region.

The Scottish Government-sponsored project aims to bring together UK aerospace heavyweights in a bid to tackle transport challenges.

Project Eilean, part of the government’s drive to become net zero by 2045, saw independent digital engineering research company, the Centre for Modelling & Simulation (CFMS), collaborate with Rolls-Royce, Loganair, the University of Strathclyde and Scottish Enterprise.

A team of digital engineering experts from CFMS researched the viability of a low emissions aircraft, capable of short haul operations across Scotland’s furthest-flung regions.

Digital analysis assessed alternative fuel sources, including electric battery, hydrogen electric, and hybrid fuel (diesel and electric).