Skybus to Add ATR for Newquay–Gatwick PSO Flights in Late 2025

Skybus (IOS, Land’s End) has been awarded an interim public service obligation (PSO) contract to operate the Newquay–London Gatwick route, previously served by Eastern Airways (T3, Humberside). The Cornwall-based airline plans to introduce ATR72 turboprops for the service, initially through a wet lease from Blue Islands and later under a damp-lease agreement with Aurigny Air Services.

Flights are scheduled to begin on November 23, 2025, operating daily before increasing to twice daily on weekdays. The Cornwall Council awarded the interim PSO contract following Eastern Airways’ collapse, though the exact duration of the agreement has not yet been disclosed. A long-term contract is expected once the interim network stabilizes.

Due to the short lead time, Skybus will start operations using a wet-leased ATR72-500 from Jersey-based Blue Islands, which currently operates four ATR72-500s and one ATR72-600. A Skybus-liveried ATR72 will enter service in mid-2026, operated by Skybus’ Newquay-based pilots, cabin crew, and engineers under an agreement with Aurigny Air Services of Guernsey.

Aurigny operates five ATR72-600s, though neither airline has confirmed whether one will be reassigned or if a new aircraft will be acquired for the contract.

Under an existing partnership, Skybus already operates two DHC-6-300 Twin Otters on behalf of Aurigny, replacing its retiring Do228-212NG fleet by early 2026. Skybus currently operates five DHC-6-300s and three BN-2 Islanders.

As the first Cornwall-based carrier to operate a local PSO route, Skybus plans to connect Newquay with the Isles of Scilly and has pledged to rehire pilots and crew previously employed by Eastern Airways at the airport.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com