Over recent years, the Jersey International Air Display has attracted a number of acts that are rarely seen on the rest of the UK airshow scene, establishing the event as one that can consistently deliver a strong show
2019 saw organisers faced with the not-insignificant challenge of filling the void left by crowd-favourites the RAF Red Arrows for the second time in three years, as they undertake their North American tour.
In their place, star acts included a trio of jets from the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight, a UK debut for Fred Akary’s Canadair-built Sabre, a para-drop from the world’s only flying Nord Noratlas and potentially, the final UK show appearance for the Breitling Jet Team under their current guise.
Their task was made increasingly difficult in the days leading up to the show as the weather prevented the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and a French-based Douglas Skyraider from making it to the show, while operational and technical issues stopped appearances from British Airways’ BEA-liveried Airbus A319, as well as a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey from the United States Air Force.
One of Jersey’s unique features is its setting, utilising the full curvature of St Aubin’s Bay, creating a natural amphitheatre which is perfectly suited to display flying, though tough to shoot in due to it being South-facing.
Whilst the 2019 edition may have seen the show have to compete with a number high-profile, short notice cancellations, with the UK airshow scene in decline, the Jersey Air Display organisers willingness to look outside of the box in terms of the acts that are booked, making it a refreshing change from many mainland shows.
Below is a selection of images shot in some difficult conditions, over the course of three excellent days of aviation.
