Job losses and fewer Hovertravel crossings

Hovertravel has been operating across the Solent for 60 years

Hovertravel which operates services across the Solent has confirmed it has had to make job cuts as part of a commercial review but declined to say how many.

The company has also made changes to its timetable at the beginning and end of the day following a reduction in passenger numbers.

BBC South Transport Correspondent Paul Clifton said he understood seven posts had been cut and comes after all Solent ferry services had seen a drop in numbers.

The hovercraft operator said the review had involved all staff and was conducted with union involvement.

Hovertravel said customers' bookings would be moved automatically to the new times

In a statement, Hovertravel blamed "challenging economic conditions" and the recent Budget for the changes.

It said: "The review concluded that making some adjustments at the beginning and end of the day would create a more sustainable business model, while serving as much of the current customer demand as possible."

timetable changes from 17 February

• First departure of the day from Ryde at 06:30

• Last departure from Southsea on weekdays at 18:45

Summer timetable changes from 7 April:

• First departure from Ryde at 06:30

• Last departure from Southsea at 19:30

The company said it would still have the flexibility to add extra services during the day if customer demand increased.

It also confirmed it was committed to offering later flights for events such as the Victorious Festival and Portsmouth FC home games.