Jersey Aero Club closes after 70 years of trading

One of the UK’s oldest flying clubs has called it a day, 70 years after it was first established at Jersey Airport in the Channel Islands.

According to a letter sent to all members by chairman Jim Buckley, the organisation has been trying to come up with a plan to restructure itself in recent months. However, it has been deprived of any income as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and towards the end of May it took the decision to call in the administrators.

“It is with regret that the board of directors of our subsidiary company, Channel Island Aero Club (Jersey) Ltd, took the decision on Friday 22 May that the company be formally wound up and all employees made redundant,” Mr Buckley said.

“The lack of any general aviation activity for the foreseeable future, at commercially viable levels, has deprived us of any income, whether from flight training, catering or otherwise.

“The immediate effect will be our contract with Ports of Jersey for the administration of General Aviation handling will cease and also that flight training will cease.”

In the meantime, local owners are still able to access their aircraft, which are parked on land owned by Ports of Jersey, complying with the current agreed practices.

The club says it intends to continue as a ‘social focus’ for aviation in the island, dependent on Ports of Jersey relinquishing the lease on its premises.

Jonathan Crick, Chief Commercial Officer of Ports of Jersey, said it would be inappropriate to comment further, but that Ports of Jersey will continue to work with the Aero Club’s administrators and management committee towards a “best possible outcome”.

Author: FTN Editor

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