Hovertravel have announced that both their Island Flyer and Solent Flyer hovercraft will remain out of action until at least October, despite previously stating that 1 of the craft was ready for service once again.
Just last week the managing director of Hovertravel, Neil Chapman, told Island Echo that the not-so-new ‘Island Flyer’ would remain out of action until mid-September whilst awaiting parts following a mechanical breakdown on Wednesday 23rd August. It was also said that Solent Flyer was ready for public service following an ‘internal grounding’.
However, it has now been confirmed that both Island Flyer and Solent Flyer will remain on the pad at Ryde until at least October due to the continuation of the development programme of the propellers of both these craft with the firm’s overseas supplier.
The overseas supplier is currently working with the design authority (GriffonHoverwork) and the compliance authorities (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) during the development programme and this is expected to continue into October. As a result, Solent Flyer and Island Flyer are not planned to be used for passenger services until this work is complete.
A further update on the situation is expected on 29th September.
Hovertravel’s usual 2-craft timetable will continue to be operated by Freedom 90 and Island Express until such time that Solent Flyer and Island Flyer return to service.
Neil Chapman has said:
“The company is continually investing into the essential parts and spares to ensure the reliability of our services, and whilst we may face unexpected cancellations due to technical matters (as all transport operators experience) please rest assured we are fully committed to ensure that we support the service.
Article continues below this advertisement “Our reliability for July 2017 was 98% (July 2016 was 97.4%) and the yearly average was 97.4% (at same time for the previous year was 96.8%) and these include weather cancellations.
“We appreciate the introduction of Solent & Island Flyer has taken considerably longer than expected , but please be assured that the developments we are working through all have solutions, and the company remains committed to running two craft for your use”.
It has also been announced that the operator’s text messaging service is to cease operation as of Friday 8th September. Instead, push notifications will be issued through the app as well as the usual Twitter updates.
