Short Solent was the last flying boat to be developed by Short Brothers in the late 1940s. It represented the pinnacle of luxury flying boat airliners and a change in Pacific air services that focused on the tourist market rather than standard passenger transport.
In New Zealand, the Solent fleet initially serviced the Trans-Tasman route with regular passenger services, but flights soon expanded to the Pacific as part of a luxury tourist experience, for those who could afford it. Beginning in June 1950, Solents operated the famous ‘Coral Route' from Auckland to Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, Tonga and Tahiti, until September 1960.
ZK-AMO "Aranui" was the last operational Solent to fly the Coral Route after most aircraft in the fleet had been withdrawn from service in 1954. The Pacific passenger service was relatively expensive and lavish compared to other airline services during this period. Elaborate meals were cooked on board and served on china. The last passenger flight by ZK-AMO from Fiji to Auckland marked the end of the Coral Route, and the end of New Zealand's flying boat era.
The Solent is currently undergoing restoration and is expected to be back on display next year.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Short Brothers | |
| Wingspan | 34.5 m | |
| Length | 27.4 m | |
| Accommodation | 8 crew and 45 passengers | |
| Range | 4,828 km | |
| Service Ceiling | 5,212 m (17,100 ft) | |
| Performance | Cruising speed 403.9 km/h | |
| Engine | 4 x 2,040 HP Bristol Hercules 733 |
