IT’S the new plan that could transform cross-Solent travel.

Civic chiefs across Hampshire have been in discussions with Hovertravel to link up several destinations across the Solent – including Southampton with Portsmouth – in a bid to provide increased transport connections by water, as well boosting tourism.

Under the plans, the company has launched a feasibility study group which will discuss with local councils the potential of connecting the two ports – an idea that was originally revealed in July 2016 by company bosses.

Alongside this, the company would also seek to connect Daedalus airfield with Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

This service would commence next year with a series of special services on selected days throughout the year to test for commercial visibility.

Further potential will also be explored to link up the airfield with Southampton and Portsmouth in the future.

Finally, a potential link between Warsash and Fawley is also being considered. It would provide a direct connection between the south-east and south-west of Hampshire.

Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, said: “We are both a transport business linking communities and a unique tourist attraction as the only commercial passenger hovercraft service in the world.

“Hovertravel is constantly looking for additional cross-Solent opportunities.

“By collaborating with local councils, we are opening up new avenues for reciprocal tourism and the associated benefits of increased visitor spend.”

Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “The plans to link up with the Waterside is an interesting opportunity particularly with the development at Fawley Waterside.

“It only takes minutes to travel across the Solent and would save a 65-mile round trip by car; I’ve been talking with managing director Neil Chapman about this.

“A hovercraft service from Daedalus would also be ideal because the infrastructure required, which includes the marine slipway, is already in place.

“However, I understand that Hovertravel has a great deal of work to do yet to understand likely usage before they commit to anything.”

Councillor Donna Jones, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “I’ve been working with Simon Letts on the scheme between the cities for the last few months to put a bid to the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership for viability funding for a pilot.”

However, Councillor Simon Letts, leader of Southampton City Council, said: “We have had some meetings to discuss where the service could land in Southampton but we have concerns about the viability of the service.

“I would be interested in seeing Wightlink and Red Funnel work together to deliver a link between Southampton and Portsmouth.”

Further announcements on the routes are expected to be made next year.