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Fighter jet withdraws from Jersey Air Display

Fighter jet withdraws from Jersey Air Display

Monday 09 September 2024

Fighter jet withdraws from Jersey Air Display

Monday 09 September 2024


Three aircraft – including a high-performance fighter jet – have had to withdraw from the Jersey Air Display just days before the event.

Organisers confirmed on Monday that Swedish fighter jet the Saab J37 Viggen would no longer be able to take part in the show as a result of "operational challenges".

Meanwhile, the Cri-Cri, an electric aircraft, along with its mothership, was said to be struggling with "crew availability".

Despite these setbacks, Mike Higgins, who has led the not-for-profit Jersey International Air Display for 24 years, said his team is working to replace the withdrawn planes.

The announcement, made just three days before the event, adds to a list of setbacks for the display.

Last year, it was confirmed that the 2024 display would not feature its star attraction, the Red Arrows, as they will be on tour in Canada. 

It was also announced earlier this year that WWII bomber plane, the Avro Lancaster, which was due to take part in the display had been withdrawn.

This is because the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has grounded its Spitfires and Hurricanes, and reduced the number of engine hours on the Avro Lancaster, after a squadron leader died in a Spitfire crash in May.

The news of the Viggen's withdrawal comes just weeks after a last-minute fundraising appeal was launched to keep the display airborne because of a “shortfall in financial support”. 

A rush of donations from local businesses and individuals, along with a £40,000 government grant and over £30,000 in online donations, helped secure the event for this year.

Last year's display also nearly didn't happen, had it not been for a successful last-ditch call for funding made by organisers, as well as a £60,000 grant from the Economic Development Department.

However, some cuts have been made to the 2024 Air Display's programming – mostly due to funding issues. 

The static displays – one at the Airport and one in Lower Park – won't be able to go ahead, and a planned STEM exhibition has had to be cut.

mike_higgins_by_james_jeune.png

Pictured: Jersey International Air Display organiser Mike Higgins.

Despite these losses, the first aircraft to arrive – the WWII-era Saab B17 dive bomber – touched down at Jersey Aero Club earlier today. 

Other confirmed participants include the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and the French Air Force's Équipe de Voltige de l'Armée de l'Air.

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You can still donate to the Air Display on SportsGiving.

READ MORE...

WATCH: Can you help save the Jersey International Air Display? 

GALLERY: Islanders share snaps of Red Arrows over Jersey

"Tragic" Spitfire crash "won't affect" Jersey's air display

Air Display fuelling up for 2024 with new aircraft

Air display still uncertain despite sponsorship pledges (July 2023)

Pictured top: The Patrouille de France, the French Air Force's demonstration team, are due to return to Jersey this year. (Dave Ferguson)

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