The History of Portsmouth Aviation

Portsmouth Aviation Limited was originally founded in 1929 as Inland Flying Services Limited, its base being Maylands Aerodrome, near Romford in Essex. The Company changed its name, to Wight Aviation Limited, on 1 May 1930 when it moved to Apse Farm Aerodrome, near Shanklin on the Isle of Wight.

From 1932, the Company name again changed and operating as Portsmouth, Southsea and Isle of Wight Aviation Limited (PSIOWA), the Company provided a ferry service between Portsmouth Airport and the Isle of Wight. The Company was also approved for aircraft and engine overhauls, servicing and issue of Certificates of Air Worthiness. The Company’s role changed in World War II to one of repairing, refurbishing and flight testing damaged Service aircraft and over 5000 went through the factory during this time.

Pioneer Aviatrix, Amy Johnson, worked for PSIOWA before the Second World War and went on to join the Air Transport Auxiliary at the outbreak of war, only to lose her life over the Thames Estuary on 5 January 1941,

After the war, now as Portsmouth Aviation Limited, the Company designed and built the twin boomed Portsmouth Aerocar. It flew at Farnborough in the SBAC Show in 1948 but, due to the uncertainties of the post-war period, production plans were not fulfilled.

Activities were then diversified to provide technical and manufacturing services to the major UK Civil and Military aircraft constructors. Subsequently this base was widened to provide assistance in Research and Development to Ministry of Defence Establishments in both aeronautical and mechanical engineering.

Today the Company provides Development and Production Services in the procurement of a range of Defence Equipment covering all three of the Armed Services.