Hovertravel is to operate a one-craft service for the next few months as Solent Flyer heads off for a major refurbishment.
From Monday (9th November), Solent Flyer will be taken out of service for an extensive upgrade programme at Griffon Marine’s specialist facilities in Portchester, leaving Island Flyer solely responsible for maintaining scheduled passenger crossings between the Isle of Wight and the mainland.
The decision means that, should Island Flyer develop a technical fault, Hovertravel will have no second craft available to take over – raising concerns about the resilience of the service throughout the winter months.
Although Hovertravel has stressed that it remains committed to maintaining its published timetable, the arrangement comes against a backdrop of repeated technical problems and service suspensions, including occasions when the operator has found itself in exactly the same position.
Hovertravel says the refurbishment of Solent Flyer is a significant investment in the long-term future of its fleet, with the work intended to improve reliability, enhance onboard facilities and refresh the craft’s appearance both inside and out.
The programme is also expected to extend the vessel’s operational life and reduce the risk of unplanned maintenance once it returns to service.
Solent Flyer has been crossing the Solent for more than 10 years now, despite Island Echo being told by bosses at the time that the craft were only designed to run for a few years before being replaced.
Throughout the refurbishment, the operator’s engineering team will continue maintaining Island Flyer, with the aim of keeping scheduled services running as reliably as possible.
Hovertravel has acknowledged the importance of its service to regular commuters and says arrangements will remain in place to provide alternative transport through another operator, at no additional cost, should disruption occur.
The refurbishment is scheduled to continue until Spring 2027, but an exact completion date has not been announced.
