The flood of new direct air routes into Scotland over the last few years is largely attributable to the Route Development Fund (RDF).

Click on the links below to find out more:

	What is the RDF?
	Why was it set up?
	Future
	What are the benefits to Scotland
	How is the funding allocated?
	Scotland leads the way
	The latest routes to be announced
	VisitScotland joint marketing initiatives
	Useful contacts and links
	Map and list of direct air routes into Scotland

What is the RDF?
The Route Development Fund (RDF) was set up in November 2002 by the Scottish Executive to help secure new – and enhance existing – direct air services to Scotland, and thus expanding Scotland’s airports as major tourism and business travel gateways.

The RDF was operated on a partnership basis with Highlands & Islands Enterprise, VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise, which administers the fund on the Executive’s behalf.

The £6.8 million fund was provided through the recent Scottish budget resources with £5 million from the budget, £500,000 from the Integrated Transport Fund, £1 million from Scottish Enterprise and £300,000 from Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE). The fund focused on European destinations serving in-bound tourism and business markets.

Why was it set up?
The fund was set up in direct response to requests from businesses, local authorities and the aviation industry. Scotland is underserved by direct services compared with other regions in Europe, and the international airline community was unaware of the potential for sustainable services to and from Scotland.

Future
As at January 2008, 35 routes operated as result of investment from the Fund.

The RDF ceased in its current form at the end of May 2007. However, routes that started by that date remain eligible for funding. The Scottish Government has been exploring how route development should go forward. Options are being considered but no final decisions have so far been made.