TODAY’S Jersey International Air Display will be without five aircraft, including a high-performance fighter jet, following last-minute withdrawals.
In a post, organisers confirmed that Swedish fighter jet the Saab J37 Viggen would no longer be taking part in the show due to “operational challenges”.
The post also revealed that the Cri-Cri electric aircraft, along with its mother-ship, had withdrawn due to “crew availability”.
In a subsequent post yesterday, organisers announced that “regrettably” the Yak3 and Bréguet Alizé had also pulled out due to “weather conditions”.
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 Second World War bomber plane, the Avro Lancaster, would not take part. This is due to it being part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which grounded its Spitfires and Hurricanes, and cut the number of engine hours on the Avro Lancaster, after a squadron leader died in a Spitfire crash in May.
Aircraft that are due to appear include the Second World War-era Saab B17 dive bomber, the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and the French Air Force’s Équipe de Voltige de l’Armée de l’Air.
It had been unclear whether the Air Display would go ahead due to a “shortfall in financial support”. However, a last-minute public appeal for funds helped rescue the event.
Event organiser Mike Higgins said he was “eternally grateful” for the “generosity of Islanders” who he said had saved the event.
He admitted that “some cuts” were necessary, including the loss of two static displays – one at Jersey Airport and the other on the Lower Park in St Helier.
