THE skies above Jersey will be filled with aeroplanes on Thursday as the annual International Air Display takes place.
This year’s event will feature two of the world’s most acclaimed aerobatic display teams.
As well as the RAF’s Red Arrows team the French equivalent, Patrouille de France, will be appearing this year.
Patrouille de France are currently celebrating their 70th anniversary and Air Display organiser Mike Higgins said: ‘For them to come to us is quite an honour. We are the only air display in the British Isles who are getting Patrouille de France.’
There will be aircraft from Sweden and the USA, the Battle of Britain memorial trio of the Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire, and one the RAF’s newest planes, the Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Parachute display team the RAF Falcons will also be dropping in. And one of the highlights will be an aerobatic display by the Jet-Pitts, a light aircraft with two powerful jet engines, flown by pilot Rich Goodwin. Mr Higgins said: ‘Rich does a lot of extreme manoeuvres. Even experienced aerobatics pilots look up in amazement.’
The event is designed to raise money for service charities and boost the Island’s tourism industry.
Mr Higgins said that at least 30,000 people, comprising Islanders and visitors, are estimated to come to the show each year, but there are no precise figures available because there are no ticket sales.
He said: ‘Because it is a free air show, any family, no matter how rich or poor, can come along and enjoy it.
‘Children normally get the day off school and many parents get half a day to watch it.
‘A lot of people will watch from car parks or from their homes.
‘And the hotels say it’s their busiest week of the year. It has a fantastic following.’
