Skybus is celebrating its 40th anniversary this week.
The airline, part of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, launched on August 9th 1984 when the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group began offering an alternative to ferry travel to the islands.
Since then, Skybus has carried more than two million passengers and thousands of tonnes of freight, to the islands.
Stuart Reid, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said: “Over the past four decades Skybus 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.
“Skybus has outlasted more than 50 other UK airlines which have come and gone over the same period, which is no mean feat.
“We are very grateful to the whole Skybus team for their dedication and hard work over the past 40 years, and of course to the thousands of passengers who fly with us each year.”
Skybus launched with just one 8-seater Britten-Norman Islander and has expanded to a fleet of seven aircraft – four DH6 Twin Otters and three Britten-Norman Islanders.
It carries 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.
Skybus also transports approximately one tonne of freight per day including urgent medical supplies.
The airline employs over 40 skilled local people consisting of pilots, aircraft engineers, operational and ground handing staff.
Often hailed as “real flying”, where passengers meet their pilot and watch them at work.