FOUR Islanders who donated to this year’s Jersey International Air Display received a special thanks with a ride in the only flying Catalina Seaplane in Europe.
Organisers of last Thursday’s event hatched the plan to show their gratitude to crowdfunders after it became clear that the unique aircraft, which took part in the display, could offer two flights around the Island, instead of just one.
A last-minute public appeal for funds had helped rescue the display when there was uncertainty about whether it would go ahead due to a “shortfall in financial support”.
Organiser Mike Higgins has said he would be “eternally grateful” for the “generosity of Islanders” who he said had saved the annual September event.
Last Wednesday, numbered tickets were drawn at random by a local member of the RAF Volunteer Reserve (Training) Branch. These were matched up with the numbers of those who donated to the Just Giving page. Other seats had previously been offered to the principal sponsors, including The International Stock Exchange, Bevismark Shipping (Jersey) Limited, Appleby, Black Gold (Strada Geothermal Jersey), Mr and Mrs Clode, Dolan Hotels, and RBC Wealth Management.
On Friday morning, the four selected Islanders were surprised with the news about their flight – which took place that same day.
The unique experience involved a short safety briefing, a brief overview of the background of the plane and then a 15 to 20-minute flight around the Island.
John Le Fondré, former Chief Minister and a member of the event’s 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.”
A statement from organisers said the experience was “just one example” of the type of experience the Jersey International Air Display could offer Islanders and sponsors.
Hundreds attended last week’s event, despite five aircraft, including a high-performance fighter jet, withdrawing at the last minute.
It had already been confirmed that the display would not feature its star attraction, the Red Arrows, who were on tour in Canada.
