Jersey Aero Club is aiming to be become a soaring success again after a turbulent time that saw it ran out of money and shut its doors.

With flight training suspended when the pandemic hit, the previous company became insolvent.

But business experts have stepped in to restructure its assets, with a newly-formed committee, and it is back in business.

Club Chairman Derek Fage says it's great to have got back off the ground:

"It's such a good news story.  Just being able to see people back into the clubroom again  - coming for meals - it's uplifting with all of the other problems that have been going on." 

We've engaged with another company to provide flight training services going forward, we have got the bar and the restaurant reopened and we have redecorated the place, and we have been working with Ports of Jersey about allowing us to look after visiting pilots as when the borders allow it."

Robin MacRae, Jersey Airport Director, says Ports of Jersey is delighted to see the Aero Club back in business after a challenging year:

 “It remains one of the most well-respected private aviation clubs in the British Isles and I am sure that its reopening will be welcome news not only to our local flying community, but to those private pilots off-island looking forward to taking to the skies again and visiting Jersey when circumstances allow. Ports of Jersey will continue to support the Club in whatever way we can, and wish the new team every future success”.

The club has around 400 members.  It is open to them and their guests for now, with the hope that this summer it can reopen to non-members and for functions and events - including a celebration to mark its 70th anniversary.

The restructuring has been assisted by Grant Thornton’s Restructuring Team led by Alan Roberts:

"There has been a rise in closing some local businesses or reducing their activities due to the economic effect of COVID. The Aero Club remained resolute in its focus on recovering and regaining its financial stability. My team and I are very pleased to have supported the Club in this successful restructuring."

Carey Olsen partner Marcus Pallot, who provided legal advice, said: "The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been felt by businesses, clubs and organisations worldwide, but I'm pleased to say that following this successful restructuring of its assets, the Jersey Aero Club and its members can look forward to a promising future on solid financial footing."

Jersey's Lieutenant Governor Sir Stephen Dalton, who is President of the Aero Club, has welcomed its reopening:  "The Jersey Aero Club has been an intrinsic and vibrant feature of Jersey’s aviation history. I am delighted that, in its 70th Year of operations, the Aero Club now has a reinvigorated and strong foundation and flightpath upon which it will provide Jersey with a modern and effective private flying capability. I wish all involved every success and thank all those who have rallied to its support."