Hover Travel Company: Celebrating 40 Years of Specialized Innovation

The Hover Travel Company on the Isle of Wight is celebrating its 40th anniversary as the only business offering a daily hovercraft service. Since its inception in 1965, the hovercraft was seen as a revolutionary maritime invention. However, due to high operational costs and competition from innovations like the Catamaran, hovercraft travel has become specialized. It remains cost-effective in environments like shallow waters, where traditional boats struggle. The company also exports hovercrafts, particularly to the U.S., and they have military and oil exploration applications.

What is unique about the Hover Travel Company on the Isle of Wight?

• It operates the only daily hovercraft service in the world.

• It is the largest hovercraft manufacturer.

• It was the first company to build a hovercraft.

• It is the oldest maritime company in Britain.

Why did hovercraft travel become a specialized business?

• Due to a lack of interest from the public.

• Because hovercrafts are not environmentally friendly.

• Because of high costs and competition from innovations like the Catamaran.

• Due to the invention of faster boats.

In what environments is hovercraft travel considered cost-effective?

• In deep ocean waters.

• In urban areas with heavy traffic.

• In shallow waters where normal boats cannot navigate.

• In mountainous regions.

For what purposes are hovercrafts used in military applications?

• For aerial reconnaissance missions.

• For underwater exploration.

• For amphibious landings.

• For transporting heavy artillery.

Which country is a significant export market for the company's hovercrafts?

• Canada

• Australia

• Germany

• United States