Jersey air show aims to be among best in the world

Organisers of Jersey's International Air Display have appealed for islanders and businesses to support its aim of being one of the top 20 aerial events in the world.

The event was at risk of being cancelled last year, according to organisers, but was saved thanks to donations from islanders and local companies.

Display organisers said "significant aircraft" had already been booked for the 2025 event including the Red Arrows, an RAF Typhoon and the Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

As well as corporate sponsorship, organiser Mike Higgins said he would be opening a crowdfunding page to collect donations.

He said the event had been listed as one of the 20 aerial events not to miss in 2025 by Aeroplane Magazine, ranked alongside nine UK air shows, six other European displays and four events in the USA.

"It is the only free air display on the list and operates with a fraction of the budget of these other air displays," he said.

"Providing we raise sufficient money we hope to have a four-hour flying display with over 20 aircraft including solo and team aerobatic displays, fast jets, historic warbirds and civil and military aircraft from throughout the post WW2 era.

"We are also in talks to ensure the participation of other rare and unique aircraft in the flying display – classic fast jets such as the Saab Draken and Viggen."

Mr Higgins said the event would feature a static display of the aircraft at Jersey airport for the first time in five years.

He said additional funding would be needed for the display to live up to expectations.

"We also need volunteers to help us put on the event," he added.

Jersey International Air Display is set to take place on Thursday 11 September with the static display on Wednesday 10 September.

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