High hopes for 2025 Jersey air display

The organiser of the Jersey air show has shared his ambition for the event to return to its historic success as the "most innovative air show in Europe" next year.

Mike Higgins said he had already started looking for sponsors for Jersey International Air Display after suffering funding setbacks in previous years.

Mr Higgins said he hoped to get "20 aeroplanes in the sky" - including jets, aerobatic teams and "rather unusual things as well".

"We are hoping to get back to the level of the air display in 2013 when we won the trophy for the best European air show," he added.

"Certainly we were the most innovative air show in Europe at that time."

The 2024 Jersey International Air Display in September was made possible after £30,700 was donated by islanders and additional sponsors came forward following an appeal for funds.

Mr Higgins said Covid had stymied fundraising in 2020, while more recent years had brought "factors outside their control" which hindered them.

"This year we don't have those problems," he added, "We are concentrating on trying to raise some money early to put on the best air display we possibly can."

He said they were trying to put an emphasis on Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM).

"We want to encourage the youth and adults to move into areas in those fields...Jersey has got to adapt to the future and we want to be part of the adaptation process," he said.

"We believe we can raise sufficient money to put on a really good air display because we've got a good offer to sponsors."

Organisers have asked businesses, individuals and volunteers to pledge their support for next year's event, which is scheduled to take place on 11 September.

They said preparations were "in full swing" and a business plan was in place.

Some aircraft have already been booked for the four-hour show, organisers added.

Sponsorship opportunities include branding, VIP hospitality and the chance to fly in one of the display aircraft.

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