A PIECE of aviation history has been given a new temporary home while its owner works on a “long-term strategy” to keep it in the Island.
The De Havilland Heron, which had initially been positioned 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.
In December 2022, Mr Palmer warned that there was a chance the former Jersey Airlines plane would be unable to stay in the Island unless a new home could be found – as it was too exposed in its initial location.
It has now been moved to a more secure area 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.”
The news follows confirmation that the former Jersey Airlines hangar at the Airport 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.
