Four islanders who helped save Jersey's Air Display thanked with seaplane flight

Monday, 16 September 2024 at 11:37

Four islanders who donated funds to get Jersey's International Air Display off the ground, have been rewarded with a free flight on a seaplane.

A crowdfunding appeal to save the 2024 show was issued, as it was the year before, with the public stepping in and raising £32,000 to keep the event going.

Although the fundraising target of £50,000 was not reached, the air display went ahead after making some cuts.

The event featured a biplane torpedo bomber, SAAB 17 dive-bomber, the American Bronco, and the Catalina.

There were some notable absences from the show, including the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

To thank islanders for their generosity, four members of the public who donated to this year's fundraiser were chosen at random to get a free flight on the Catalina Seaplane.

The Catalina aircraft

The flight took place on 13 September, where the lucky islanders were given a tour of Jersey from the skies.

Guests were up in the air for 15 - 20 minutes in what is the only flying Catalina in Europe.

The view of Jersey from the Catalina

John Le Fondré, Former Chief Minister and part of the Air Display Fundraising Committee said:

“We wanted to show our thanks to the people (and companies) who supported us with donations ranging from £3 to as much as £2,500 (excluding core sponsors) and thought this would be an appropriate way to do so.

"People had a really fantastic flight, in superb visibility, and with great views of the Island in a very unique aircraft.”