BA turns back the clock for the Air Display

BA turns back the clock for the Air Display

The aircraft, an Airbus A319, was repainted to celebrate the airline’s 100th birthday and is among only three others which were given a new look.

British European Airways or BEA first began flying to Jersey from Portsmouth in 1933 and landed planes on the beach at West Park until the Airport opened in 1937.

In 1972, the British Airways group – consisting of BEA and BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) – was formed. Two years later, on 31 March, the two airlines were dissolved to form British Airways. Commercial BAC1-11 jet services to Jersey were launched in July that year. Since then the route has been served by Trident, Boeing 737 and Boeing 757 aircraft.

When persistent fog led to flight cancellations in 1979, a Lockheed TriStar carried customers to and from the mainland. It still holds the record for the largest commercial aircraft to have operated from Jersey Airport.

Anne-Marie Ryan, Jersey’s British Airways airport manager, said: ‘We are delighted to play such a leading role in the Jersey International Air Display. It is particularly important this year to look back at our long and successful association and the part we have played in the Island’s history.’

At the display, British Airways’ ambassadors will be also be dressed in historic uniforms and there will be a chance to win flights from Jersey to Milan – a new destination from London Gatwick this year.

Meanwhile, Deputy Mike Higgins, display organiser, is inviting parent-teacher associations, sports clubs and other organisations to help the event sell programmes.

In return, Deputy Higgins has said that 10% of the price of every programme sold will go to the vendor. Anyone interested is asked to call him on 07797 728604.

– Advertisement –
– Advertisement –