Skybus rises to the challenge
With over a month having passed since the closure of BIH, it is a worthwhile point to look back over recent weeks and congratulate Skybus on rising to this winter’s transport challenges. As the holiday season drew to its close, many of our regular visitors praised the friendly and efficient system of planes, boats and taxi-buses that had been put in place, as this comment from Teal timesharers reflects: “We were apprehensive about our ease of transport as the helicopter was not available but we were pleased and impressed with the arrangements made…”
Having made a successful transition to sole transport provider for Scilly, Skybus and the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company were then confronted by one of the worst periods of November weather for 100 years. Throughout the country and in particular the south-west transport infrastructure was severely tested. 75mm fell in a single day in Cornwall, which was the heaviest 24 hours of rainfall recorded in the UK. We are grateful for the assured manner with which Skybus dealt with a waterlogged airfield and gale force winds.
Looking ahead, along with runway improvements, the new control tower and terminal at Land’s End will be complete in 2013. Flights from Exeter begin in March, with up to10 flights a day at the height of the season. With increased flights in and out of Newquay, Scilly can look forward to a much improved connectivity with major national airports such as London Gatwick and Manchester.
The Council of the Isles of Scilly is currently applying for European funding to bring about major improvements to St Mary’s Airport. Robert Dorrien Smith commented: “Customer feedback has been very positive, I am delighted to say. I have complete confidence that the new transport system will prove a great success.”
Please don’t forget that with one call to the Island Office (01720 422849) you can book your flights and island transfers to Tresco, as well as your accommodation.