Skybus (Aqua Avia)
Encyclopedia
Skybus was an attempt to create a privately owned commercial airline in New Zealand
during the 1970s, a time of state-owned public transport. It was a brainchild of the entrepreneur
Matt Thomson, who found and exploited a loophole
in the legislation that otherwise prevented competition with the national airline Air New Zealand
. Thomson formed the Aqua Avia Society to run Skybus and chartered two Vickers Viscount
aircraft.
The government, however, intervened and created enough obstacles and delays to push Aqua Avia into in solvency
. The company failed as it was about to commence its commercial service, having taken delivery of the two Viscount aircraft in their new livery.
A credit card size plastic i/d card was issued to members and valid for LIFE.On rear of card is Discount offer from Budget rental Car.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
during the 1970s, a time of state-owned public transport. It was a brainchild of the entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is an owner or manager of a business enterprise who makes money through risk and initiative.The term was originally a loanword from French and was first defined by the Irish-French economist Richard Cantillon. Entrepreneur in English is a term applied to a person who is willing to...
Matt Thomson, who found and exploited a loophole
Loophole
A loophole is a weakness that allows a system to be circumvented.Loophole may also refer to:*Arrowslit, a slit in a castle wall*Loophole , a short science fiction story by Arthur C...
in the legislation that otherwise prevented competition with the national airline Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand Limited is the national airline and flag carrier of New Zealand. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, the airline operates scheduled passenger flights to 26 domestic destinations and 24 international destinations in 15 countries across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, and is...
. Thomson formed the Aqua Avia Society to run Skybus and chartered two Vickers Viscount
Vickers Viscount
The Vickers Viscount was a British medium-range turboprop airliner first flown in 1948 by Vickers-Armstrongs, making it the first such aircraft to enter service in the world...
aircraft.
The government, however, intervened and created enough obstacles and delays to push Aqua Avia into in solvency
Solvency
Solvency, in finance or business, is the degree to which the current assets of an individual or entity exceed the current liabilities of that individual or entity. Solvency can also be described as the ability of a corporation to meet its long-term fixed expenses and to accomplish long-term...
. The company failed as it was about to commence its commercial service, having taken delivery of the two Viscount aircraft in their new livery.
A credit card size plastic i/d card was issued to members and valid for LIFE.On rear of card is Discount offer from Budget rental Car.
External links and sources
- Soundarchives.co.nz
- "Nationwide Air History" (Aviation Traders Carvair)