Isle of Wight, UK based Hovertravel has announced it will begin instructing its pilots, engineers and crew in the operation of the first of its new Griffon built hovercraft - ''Solent Flyer''.
“Solent Flyer is now officially part of our fleet, having arrived in Ryde earlier today,” explained Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel.
“Now we begin the next phase of bringing these exciting new craft into operation, the training of our teams on what is the newest passenger hovercraft in the world.”
Mr Chapman pointed out that the comprehensive training programmes will involve everyone in the company and possibly even some from outside the company as it conducts loading trials.
He added: “It is critical that we spend time learning how to operate our new craft and, although I know everyone wants to get on board as soon as possible, we had always planned in a three month period for our staff to be familiarised with the new technologies and efficiencies this new craft will bring our company and our customers.”
Hovertravel has planned one to one training for its pilots and its crew. It engineers will also receive training from Griffon’s construction teams.
The plan is for Hovertravel to introduce its new craft in to service this summer.
Solent Flyer will be based at Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
By Anne-Marie Causer
