Skybus (Aqua Avia)

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 insolvency. The company failed as it was about to commence its commercial service, having taken delivery of the two Viscount aircraft in their new livery.

External links and sources

• Soundarchives.co.nz
• "Nationwide Air History" (Aviation Traders Carvair)