John

Hovertravel's new hovercraft, Solent Express, entered p***enger service between Ryde and Southsea on Thursday evening. The 130 seat craft has been based at Ryde hoverport over the last 8 weeks during the extensive trials period and crew training.

Solent Express will be gradually introduced to run alongside the long established hovercraft, Freedom 90 and Island Express.
The 70 tonne craft has been designed and built at St Helens on the Isle of Wight by Hovertravel's subsidiary company, Hoverwork.

P***engers will notice the much more spacious interior. The craft's increased size and power will provide greater p***enger comfort and reliability on days of adverse weather.

Richard Box (CEO) said "We are very proud that this hovercraft has been entirely developed within our own resources on the Isle of Wight. It has taken longer than originally intended, but now we are set to continue to strengthen our p***enger service. The BHT 130 type is very capable and, through the subsidiary company Hoverwork, we already have considerable interest from potential buyers around the world. I anticipate a second craft of this type on the Southsea to Ryde route within the next 3 years.

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