These accolades celebrate Hovertravel’s pioneering role in British transport history and its unique contribution to connecting communities across the Solent since 1965.
Founded on July 24, 1965, Hovertravel began operations with two 38-seat SR.N6 hovercraft leased from the British Hovercraft Corporation, offering services between Ryde, Southsea, and Stokes Bay. Originally intended as a seasonal tourist attraction, the service quickly gained popularity among commuters and locals, evolving into a vital year-round link between the Isle of Wight and the mainland. Today, Hovertravel operates two 12000TD hovercraft—Solent Flyer and Island Flyer—providing the fastest ferry service across the Solent, completing the journey in under ten minutes.
The Red Wheel scheme, administered by the National Transport Trust, commemorates sites of significant importance in the history of transport in the UK. Hovertravel’s inclusion in this scheme underscores its status as a unique and enduring part of the nation's transport heritage.
Loretta Lale, Head of Marketing at Hovertravel, commented: “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from the National Transport Trust. For 60 years, Hovertravel has been more than just a mode of transport; it has been a lifeline for communities, a draw for tourists, and a symbol of British innovation. These Red Wheel plaques are a testament to the dedication of our team and the enduring support of our passengers.”
Stuart Wilkinson, Chair of the National Transport Trust said, “We are delighted to add these two Red Wheels to the 191 already awarded. They serve to highlight the rich and fascinating history of UK transport, and the Solent’s hovercraft are brilliant examples of a transport solution still serving people either side of the water 60 years later. It’s a history that we hope will inspire young people to consider a career in transport and engineering and maybe there is a young person out there whose idea will become as important in the future as these hovercraft routes are today.”
The Red Wheel plaques will be permanently displayed at both Hovertravel’s Southsea and Ryde terminals, serving as lasting tributes to the company’s remarkable history and its role in shaping modern transport.