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An historic Jersey Airlines plane has been given a new temporary home at the Airport while its owner works on a "long-term strategy" to keep it in the island.
The De Havilland Heron, which had initially been sat on a section of open tarmac at the Airport, was purchased by Matt Palmer for just £1 in 2021 after the company that previously owned it went into liquidation.
The 'Duchess of Brittany', which first took to the skies in the 1950s, used to fly routes between the Channel Islands, the UK and continental Europe.
The aircraft eventually ended up in the UK, but was brought back to Jersey in 2018 following a campaign whose champions included former Jersey Airlines pilot and aviation enthusiast Peter 'Willy' Weber, who sadly passed away in January.
In December 2022, Mr Palmer warned that there was a chance the aircraft would be unable to stay in the island unless a new home could be found – as it was too exposed in its initial location.
However, Mr Palmer told Express that it had recently been moved to a more secure area near the air traffic control tower.
The "Duchess of Brittany" in her new temporary home near the air traffic control tower.
Mr Palmer explained: "It's out of the wind and out of the way – all in all it's a more secure and more appropriate location for her.
"We still need a suitable long-term strategy but that's the next step."
Mr Palmer has previously spoken about his hopes for the Duchess, which could potentially become a static exhibit or visitor attraction for educational purposes.
He added: "She is a very important part of both global and local aviation history."
As efforts to secure the former Jersey Airlines plane's future continue, it has recently been confirmed that a former Jersey Airlines hangar will be demolished amid concerns that it is now a safety risk.
Ports of Jersey was last month granted planning permission to knock down the building, which is the large structure to the north of the main car park, on the right when driving into the Airport.
Pictured: Mr Palmer said the Duchess's new location was "more secure" and "out of the way".
‘Hangar 4’, to give it its official title, was built in 1958, originally for the storage of aircraft.
The 74m long, 55m wide building was subsequently used as engineering base for several airlines, including Air UK and JEA, and is now used as an equipment store.
“This building served the island well for many years, but it is no longer possible to remedy its defects," Jersey Airport's Operations Director, Ashley Maggs, previously explained.
Pictured: The Airport's Operations Director said it was "no longer possible" to remedy the defects of the historic hangar.
"We are continuing to evaluate how we can best incorporate the site into Jersey Airport’s master planning process.”
Ports said that a decision on the future of the site will be made "once the Airport’s future operational requirements are finalised".
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