Inauguration of Penzance to St Mary’s Helicopter Link

A new helicopter link from Penzance in Cornwall to St Mary's on the Isles of Scilly offers speedy transfer

Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall John Carew inaugurates the new helicopter service between Penzance and St Mary's on the Isles of Scilly on 1 May 1964. The new helicopter spelt the end for short haul transfers by British European Airways de Havilland Dragon Rapides which flew from Land's End airport. The helicopter service continued until October 2012 most recently operated by Plymouth-based British International Helicopters (BIH).

Aeroplane flights now operate out of Land's End, Newquay and Exeter airports and a passenger ferry, the Royal Mail Vessel (RMV) Scillonian III sails from Penzance to St Mary's harbour from early spring until autumn with the Gry Maritha freight ship taking over the route in the winter. All services are run by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company. The islands have a population of two thousand and two hundred residents and attract many visitors throughout the summer including many bird and wildlife watchers.