Long-serving ex-Loganair boss has aircraft named after him

Former Loganair boss Scott Grier had a new aircraft named after him.

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

Grier, who joined Loganair in 1976 as financial manager, became managing director in 1983, steering the Scottish airline through a period of unprecedented growth.

He led a management buyout in 1997 that left him chairman and largest shareholder of a company, as he rebuilt the business and the brand. 

Grier grew turnover from around £5 million to £72.6 million over 15 years while passenger numbers rose from around 50,000 to more than 527,000 a year.

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

Current chief executive Luke Farajallah paid tribute to Grier at the 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.”

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.”