18 March 2021
+VIDEO Jersey Aero Club is up and running again after a torrid 2020 which saw it close for business. The club has restructured its assets and is now confident of a promising future.
The club issued a statement which said, “Restructuring has been assisted by Grant Thornton’s Restructuring Team led by Alan Roberts, and Marcus Pallot of Carey Olsen who provided legal advice.
“The Aero Club’s newly formed Committee has established strong procedures to re-develop the Club’s governance, activities and facilities.
“Despite facing difficult times and the cessation of flight training during the past year, the Club’s members have been very supportive, and membership numbers have remained buoyant.”
Like many businesses across the UK, the COVID pandemic forced the Aero Club to shut its operations in May 2020. A subsidiary company that operated flight training and managed General Aviation operations and the bar and café provision became insolvent and has been wound up.
Alan Roberts, Director of Recovery and Reorganisation at Grant Thornton, who led the process, said, “The Aero Club remained resolute in its focus on recovering and regaining its financial stability.”
Robin MacRae, Jersey Airport Director, added, “We are delighted to see the Jersey Aero Club back in business after what has been a very 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 creation of a new committee secured robust governance of the Club’s affairs. A working group has produced a business plan that focuses on:
Derek Fage, Aero Club Chairman, said, “Flying training has now recommenced with our new flight training partner Synergy Aviation, and the Club has now re-opened to members who can enjoy the Club’s catering services.
“In its 70th anniversary year, the Aero Club is once again financially sound and will remain a stalwart in Jersey’s aviation story for its members and stakeholders for years to come”.
The Club is planning a summer re-launch party for its members and other supporting parties in its newly re-decorated club premises.
The Club is also planning for visiting General Aviation aircraft to return as soon as international flights re-open later this year.
1 comment
When are all the dates getting released for series . I need to book time off work and reservations