For four decades, Skybus has been more than just a flight service – it’s been a lifeline connecting the Isles of Scilly with the mainland. Since our inaugural flight in 1984, we’ve flown over stunning coastlines and provided crucial links for residents, visitors and businesses alike.
Starting up with just a single aircraft, Skybus has grown into a service with a fleet of seven planes operating an air freight service and scheduled passenger flights year-round.
To celebrate the airline’s 40th anniversary, let’s take a look into the last 40 years of Skybus history…
The history of skybus
It all started on 9th August 1984, when the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group expanded to air travel as an alternative to sea travel and as a faster way of delivering freight. This then expanded to cover scheduled commercial flights in 1987.
Back then Skybus launched with a small eight-seater Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, and this has now expanded to a fleet of seven planes consisting of four DH6 Twin Otters and three Britten-Norman Islanders.
An essential part of our service
Over the years, we’ve faced challenging weather, celebrated countless milestones, and remained committed to providing a continued, safe and friendly service.
Skybus has grown from strength to strength, carrying in excess of 70,000 passengers annually from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter airports to the Isles of Scilly. Skybus has been flying from Newquay and Exeter for more than 30 years and is Newquay’s longest serving airline.
The airline has become an integral part of island life, and one we are exceptionally proud of. It’s no exaggeration to say that it is a lifeline to the islands, delivering freight and urgent medical supplies.
This 40th anniversary is a celebration of our history and heritage, a testament to the dedication of our crew and a heartfelt thank you to our loyal passengers.