More low and zero-emission aircraft for internal Scottish flights are needed to reduce the environmental impact of flying, the Scottish Government has said.

That aim is to achieve net zero on domestic flights by 2040.

In an Aviation Statement, the government said it will work with airlines and airports to achieve the aims.

It has been welcomed by airport owners but the Scottish Greens said the government can’t have more flights and reduce the impact on the environment.

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Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, said: “This Aviation Statement sets out, for the first time, the strategic importance of aviation to Scotland and the specific actions we will take to help ensure we can continue to enjoy its many benefits, while significantly reducing emissions in line with our net zero ambitions.

He said the report can stimulate a more positive and constructive conversation about aviation and how best to harness the significant economic, social and cultural benefits it provides.

Fairlie added: “The reserved nature of aviation means that we will continue to influence the UK Government so that Scotland can benefit fully from their Jet Zero strategy which applies across the UK.”

The minister said the outcomes can only be achieved by working with airlines and airports.

The owners of Glasgow Airport said the report must become a clear policy, which business leaders said it hopes business and tourism will benefit from a clear plan.

A spokesperson for AGS Airports, which owns and operates Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports, said: “It is welcome the Scottish Government recognises the strategic importance of aviation and the essential role it plays in facilitating trade, investment, tourism and job creation while providing lifeline services for our rural and island communities.

“This now needs to translate into a clear and ambitious policy framework that sets out how government and industry can work together to strengthen the vital international and domestic connectivity on which we are so reliant, while at the same time ensuring Scotland is at the forefront of harnessing the technologies that exist today to reach our net zero goals.”

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Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Scottish Government’s recognition of the crucial role that air travel plays in our economy is a welcome step forward for the industry.

“We hope it signals a strong commitment to the trade, tourism, job creation, and lifeline services that the sector supports.

“What businesses need now is a clear action plan to back up this position. A robust aviation sector is vital for Glasgow’s economic growth, and achieving this ambition requires decisive action from the Government.

Scottish Greens, however warned only fewer flights will help address the damage done by aviation.

Patrick Harvie, Co-leader, said: “The Scottish Government is trying to have it both ways on aviation, pretending they can get lower emissions with more flights.

"The only way to reduce the damage done by aviation is to cut the demand for flights, anything else is simply hot air and environmental window dressing. 

“With the new climate plan due to be published in the months ahead, they must be bold and show the kind of ambition that is so lacking in today’s utterly dismal announcement."