Skybus was an attempt to create a privately owned commercial airline in New Zealand during the 1970s, a time of state-owned public transport.

Frustrated by problems with the Cook Strait ferries, he then proceeded to set up Nationwide Air which utilised two ATL.98 Carvairs on freight work from the late 1970s.

By using the legal loophole, Aqua Avia created their business plan of forming a club with annual membership rather than charging passengers fares per flight, thus avoiding the charge that they would be in direct competition with the State-owned airlines (and thus not needing to apply for licenses for their air routes).

The Aqua Avia Society linked with the Piako Aero Club of Matamata, who had the Viscounts registered in their ownership.

The delays caused by this objection derailed Skybus as it was about to commence its commercial service, having taken delivery of the two Viscount aircraft in their new livery.