Heron's future up for discussion as hangar plans get the go-ahead

Tuesday 01 October 2024

The owner of an iconic Jersey Airlines plane has welcomed the recent planning approval for a new hangar for private jets – as he believes it could represent an opportunity to include the aircraft as part of the scheme's art obligations.

Matt Palmer spoke after Gama Aviation received unanimous approval from the Planning Committee for the £10.5 million hangar, which will house the island's air ambulance, as well as private jets.

However, the Committee requested that the 'percentage for art' element of the application be reconsidered, providing a glimmer of hope to campaigners that a project to preserve a historic Jersey aircraft might benefit.

Pictured: The De Havilland Heron is currently sat in a secure area near the air traffic control tower.

Mr Palmer is the owner of the De Havilland Heron, which currently sits in a secure area near the air traffic control tower after being purchased in 2021 for just £1.

It was originally brought back to Jersey in 2018 following a campaign whose champions included former Jersey Airlines pilot and aviation enthusiast Peter 'Willy' Weber, who sadly passed away in January.

Also known as the 'Duchess of Brittany', the plane first took to the skies in the 1950s and used to fly routes between the Channel Islands, the UK, and continental Europe.

Mr Palmer's opportunity to buy the aircraft arose when the company that previously owned it went into liquidation.

Pictured: The Heron used to fly routes between the Channel Islands, the UK and continental Europe.

The Duchess has faced some turbulence in recent years due to a lack of a permanent home, and even looked likely to leave the island at one stage.

Fortunately, Mr Palmer was able to improve the situation with the help of Ports of Jersey, who allowed the aircraft to be moved to a more suitable location earlier this year.

Mr Palmer told Express that last week's planning decision represented an opportunity for discussions over the Heron's long-term future and whether it could end up on display as part of the hangar plans.

He said: "I very much welcome the decision by the Committee to defer a decision on the public art contribution so that the Heron living history project can be considered.

"We look forward to working with Gama to see how the Heron could best form part of this proposal, so that she can once again play an important role in island life."

Pictured: Matt Palmer bought the historic Jersey Airlines plane in 2021 for just £1.

Mr Palmer continued: "The Duchess of Brittany is a great example of the artistic and architectural style of the time, with aviation being a primary driver of the 'streamline moderne' movement which has been reflected in the design of Gama's new hangar.

"She is also crucial to understanding the development of the island's economy and island life through the 20th century and today."

He added: "As such the Heron living history project and the proposed hangar would be highly complementary, providing between them a commercial, heritage, educational and tourism boost to Jersey.

"I would like to thank the Committee for the consideration they gave to the importance of public art that is culturally relevant, accessible, and reflects the heritage of Jersey. I look forward to seeing how this progresses."

Pictured: An artist’s impression of the new hangar proposed by Gama Aviation.

Tim Pedley, Regional Director of Gama Aviation Jersey said: "We are delighted with the positive outcome of last week’s Planning Committee meeting and would like to thank the Committee for their time and consideration of our planning application to develop a new hanger and facilities at Jersey Airport.

“We have taken on board the advice of the Chair of the Planning Committee and will reflect further, as he suggests, on the principles of how the Percentage for Art will be spent.

“We look forward to the next steps and to delivering this project for our customers, to support new jobs and opportunities for the people of Jersey, through this significant investment in modern and dynamic facilities."

Pictured: Tim Pedley, Regional Director of Gama Aviation Jersey.

The CEO of Ports of Jersey Matt Thomas, added: "This is good news for Jersey. It will boost our economy and show we are open for business.

"The new hangar will attract inward investment and provide new job opportunities for local people, as well as providing a welcome boost for our construction industry and commercial aviation support services.

“The design of the building meets BREEAM requirements and aligns with our ethos of sustainable travel, and it will provide valuable facilities for the Airport and all aircraft operators.”