Picking up the baton
- Jamie Crocker
- Dec 9
- 4 min read
Words by Jamie Crocker
Skybus, part of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, takes to the air, connecting Cornwall with the capital.
For those who had become accustomed to taking a flight from Cornwall Airport Newquay to Gatwick, the news that the operator of the service, Eastern Airways, had entered administration in late October 2025 would have been disquieting to say the least. Besides the very unfortunate fallout that resulted in staff redundancies, it effectively meant the termination of the service. However, within days, Cornwall Council announced that Skybus, part of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, had been awarded the Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract to operate this essential route as the replacement service provider.
For those who live in Cornwall or have holidayed on the Isles of Scilly, the company is a familiar name. Taking to the skies above some of Cornwall’s most spectacular coastline, Skybus has long been more than just a means of getting from A to B. It’s an essential lifeline linking the mainland to one of Britain’s most idyllic archipelagos.
Founded in 1984, Skybus began life at Land’s End Aerodrome as a modest air charter service, created to meet the growing need for reliable connections to the Isles of Scilly. When Brymon Airways withdrew its island routes, Skybus stepped in to bridge the gap, first operating services to Plymouth before refining its focus on the destinations that define its network today. With the addition of rugged Twin Otter aircraft, renowned for their short take-off and landing capabilities, the airline established the dependable, high-frequency services that have become a familiar sight over Cornwall’s western tip.
Wholly owned by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, which also operates the passenger ferry Scillonian III and freight routes from Penzance, Skybus forms a crucial part of the transport network that keeps island life thriving. In 2009, the airline marked a proud milestone of 25 years in operation, commemorating the occasion with a celebratory tail design across its fleet.
The following years brought both change and opportunity. When helicopter services to the islands ceased in 2012, Skybus responded swiftly, sourcing an additional Twin Otter to bolster capacity for the 2013 season. Streamlining its routes, the airline refined its focus to serve Exeter, Newquay and Land’s End.
In 2025, Skybus entered a new chapter with the appointment of former Loganair CEO Jonathan Hinkles as Managing Director. This move signals the company’s continued ambition and confidence in regional aviation. Under his leadership, Skybus has also expanded its horizons beyond Cornwall, agreeing to wet-lease two Twin Otter aircraft to Aurigny for its Alderney operation. The first Skybus-operated flight between Guernsey and Alderney took to the skies on 1st November 2025, a fitting milestone for an airline that has always thrived on connectivity and scheduled services.
It comes as no surprise, then, that Skybus has been chosen to step up to the mark. Tickets went on sale on the 7th November, with the first flight scheduled to take off on Sunday, 23rd November 2025. They’re already working on unveiling a refreshed timetable of daily flights, paving the way for an expanded twice-daily weekday service from 14th February 2026. The new route will be operated by a 70-seat ATR72, the world’s most popular regional turboprop aircraft, representing a notable evolution for the airline, which has long been cherished for its smaller aircraft connecting the Isles of Scilly with the mainland.
This next chapter marks more than just an upgrade in capacity; it signifies a strengthening of Cornwall’s connection to the wider world. The Public Service Obligation (PSO) route will provide a vital link for both business and leisure travellers, offering faster, more convenient journeys between Cornwall and London. And, with effortless onward access to Gatwick’s global network, it opens the door to a world of destinations while keeping Cornwall firmly on the map.
Taking time out to issue a company statement, Jonathan Hinkles, said: “We are thrilled to launch this new service between Cornwall and London Gatwick. It is not just about making travel easier for passengers; it’s about creating opportunities for businesses, for tourism, and for the local communities we serve.
“As a Cornish company with more than 40 years of aviation experience, we understand how critical dependable air links are for our region. We’re proud to step up to operate this vital route. Our focus is on rebuilding confidence and offering reliability, and we look forward to providing passengers with the service they deserve.
“None of us underestimate the challenge ahead to build the Newquay-Gatwick route to be a thriving cornerstone of the local economy once more. We’re wholly confident that we can achieve this through Skybus’ record for reliability and service.”
Following Jonathan’s upbeat announcement, Amy Smith, Managing Director, Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “We’re delighted that Skybus, our longest-serving airline partner, will be taking over the vital London Gatwick service later this month. We know just how important a regular, reliable service between Newquay and London is for our passengers and we look forward to working with Skybus to deliver just that going forward.”
Skybus has pledged to bring renewed reliability and punctuality to Cornwall’s PSO air service, marking the beginning of a new era in regional aviation. Looking ahead, a permanent Skybus-liveried ATR72 will take over operations in mid-2026, marking a proud moment that will see the aircraft crewed and maintained by Skybus’s own Newquay-based pilots, cabin crew and engineers, under a partnership with Aurigny Air Services of Guernsey.
The airline’s investment reaches far beyond the runway. By early 2026, Skybus will introduce seamless same-ticket connections between London and the Isles of Scilly, synchronising the new Gatwick–Newquay service with existing onward flights to the islands. It’s a development set to deliver real economic benefits to Cornwall, strengthening its position as both a thriving business hub and a world-class leisure destination.
Fares will start from £79.99 one-way, inclusive of a 15kg checked baggage allowance, with travellers able to enhance their journey through optional add-ons such as Skybus FlyFlexi, offering greater flexibility, additional baggage and fast-track airport security where available, from just £22.50 each way.
Bookings can now be made via the newly launched skybus.co.uk, with flights for summer 2026 set to go on sale soon, marking a fitting milestone as Skybus prepares to strengthen air travel to and from Cornwall.
