Next month's Jersey International Air Display is at risk of being cancelled.

Organisers say they need to raise £42,000 by the end of this week.

A last-ditch plea for funding has been issued so that the popular air show can go ahead on 12 September as planned.

So far, just over £8,000 of the £50,000 needed has been donated through an online crowdfunding appeal.

Organisers say, unless they shortfall is found by this Friday (16 August) they will have no option but to cancel this year's display.

They hope islanders and businesses will recognise the value of the event to the economy, and give what they can to ensure the show can go on.

Mike Higgins says that, post Covid-19, costs have increased substantially:

"If more businesses that benefit, directly and indirectly, from the air display were able to make a contribution towards the running of the event, and if many of the 20,000 plus spectators in the island who watched the display last year were also able to support us with a small amount, we would not only have sufficient money to put on this year’s display but also be in a good position for next year’s display and future year displays.

"If sufficient funds are not raised, and the display is cancelled, any funds raised will be rolled into the 2025 display and if for any reason the air display is unable to continue in the future the money will be given to Helping Wings Jersey – a charity for the disabled to experience flight - and to British Military Charities.

"We ask Islanders to recognise that the Jersey International Air Display is part of the DNA of our Island Community. Not only is it a significant event in the Island’s calendar for local and visitors alike, but with its origins in the previous Battle of Britain Air Display it also remains a poignant reminder of the reasons behind our Liberation, and our Liberty. It also remains a significant day for relevant charities to raise funds to care for our military veterans.

"We need your help. Please support the Jersey International Air Display to keep Jersey flying."

The fund opened last month, and since then 260 people, including some local hoteliers, have contributed.

There has been further support from Black GoldStrada Geothermal Jersey, Appleby Global, the Royal Bank of Canada, the International Stock Exchange and the Dolan Hotels Group.

The government grant from Economic Development is £40,000 for 2024, down from £60,000 last year.

Organisers say the air display contributes at least £1m to the Jersey economy from visitors alone.

The line up for 2024:

• Equipe de Voltige de l'Armee de l'Air (French Air Force Extra 300);
• RAP Parachute Display Team - The Falcons;
• RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - including the Lancaster Bomber;
• North American OV-10 Bronco;
• Conair Turbo Firecat (ex-Securite Civile firefighting aircraft);
• COnsolidated PBY Catalina flying boat;
• Dutch Fokker D.XXI WW II fighter;
• Edgely Optica;
• French Breguet Alize anti-submarine aircraft;
• SIAI-Marchetti SF.260.