Hovertravel has announced a major refurbishment of its Solent Flyer hovercraft as part of a significant investment to improve the reliability of passenger services between the Isle of Wight and the mainland.
The upgrade programme will begin on Monday 9 November 2026, with work expected to continue until spring 2027.
Solent Flyer will undergo extensive maintenance and improvements at Griffon Marine's specialist facilities in Portchester, Hampshire.
The refurbishment will focus on improving reliability, upgrading onboard facilities and refreshing the hovercraft's appearance both inside and out.
Hovertravel says the investment is designed to extend the operational life of Solent Flyer and reduce the risk of unexpected mechanical problems that could disrupt services.
The company has reassured passengers, particularly commuters who rely on its services for work, that the improvements are intended to secure the long-term future of its Solent crossings.
In a statement, Hovertravel said: "We're investing in the future of Hovertravel to help make your journeys across the Solent even more reliable and enjoyable."
The company added: "We recognise how important our service is to your daily routine, particularly for those who rely on us to travel to and from work.
"We want to reassure you that this investment is about securing the future of our service and delivering the journeys you expect from us."
During the refurbishment, Hovertravel's other hovercraft, Island Flyer, will operate the scheduled passenger service between the Isle of Wight and the mainland.
The company's engineering team will continue maintaining Island Flyer throughout the programme to support the reliability of the service.
Hovertravel says the refurbishment represents a significant investment in the future of its fleet, with improvements intended to provide a more comfortable and dependable experience for passengers.
The company has also promised regular updates as work progresses, including behind-the-scenes information about the maintenance and improvements being carried out.
The refurbishment is scheduled for completion in spring 2027.
Passengers can find further information and service updates through Hovertravel's official website.
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