Cross-Solent operator Hovertravel has announced a new Managing Director to lead the business forward, re-enforcing its commitment to financial resilience and long-term sustainability.
Following the departure of Neil Chapman, who has jumped ship to Red Funnel, it has been confirmed that Hovertravel’s Finance lead, Cindy Peche, has been bumped up to Managing Director.
It was in 2022 that Cindy first started using Hovertravel’s Ryde-Southsea service as a daily commuter, before taking on the role of Head of Finance in 2024. Since then, she has played an integral part in evaluating business performance and gaining valuable insights across engineering, operations, and customer experience within the cross-Solent market.
Cindy was previously a Vice President at NRC International and also held a finance role at Portsmouth Grammar School.
It has also been confirmed that Captain Steve Attrill has been appointed Director of Operations.
Captain Attrill, who first became involved with Hovertravel in 1988, brings an unparalleled depth of experience to the board. As a Hovercraft Master, Mariner, and Commercial Pilot, Steve has logged over 25,000 hours piloting hovercraft across the Solent and internationally.
Between 2007 and 2015, he held senior commercial aviation roles, including Chief Pilot for Hampshire Constabulary and Operational Commander for the EU Naval Forces, delivering air support for counter-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean.
Upon his return to Hovertravel in 2015, Steve has successfully led pilot and operational teams, and will now further drive efficiency, compliance and operational performance across the business.
Cindy Peche has said:
“Steve and I are incredibly proud of the legacy Hovertravel has built as a lifeline operator and a leader in cross-Solent transport.
“With such a talented and passionate team, we are committed to upholding our reputation for exceptional service and robust compliance.
“These appointments reflect our focus on continuity, resilience and strategic growth – for the business, our customers and the wider community.”
My wife and I live in Seaview which in miles is
very close to Southsea.
Yet if we want to travel to Southsea on the
hovercraft, 2 day returns cost nearly £60.00
Yet if we were living in Scotland we could catch the
National Express coach to Southsea for less.
That is why the service is Fcuked!
Cheap day returns are needed, hovertravel are
more concerned making money transporting
parcels than they are transporting people!
You could move to Scotland…
Marcus. You’re a Bonnie Lad to be sure.