Jersey Post and Jersey Airport

Six stamps, a Miniature Sheet plus a fascinating Prestige Booklet will be issued on 10 March 2012 to mark the 75th anniversary of Jersey Airport. All the stamps feature aircraft that have landed at Jersey during different decades in the airport’s history.

The Prestige Booklet is filled with images and information about the airport, plus more aircraft that have landed since it opened and is a ‘must have’ for aviation enthusiasts. It also contains three sets of stamps and a Miniature Sheet. The following excerpts are taken from the booklet:

“Recognising the growing importance and popularity of air travel, the Jersey Chamber of Commerce pushed for a purpose-built airport and, in 1934, the States of Jersey agreed to the purchase of privately-owned fields in St Peter.  Originally estimated at just £19,000, the project, which used a total of 218 vergées (97 acres), eventually cost £127,000.  Jersey Airport was officially opened on 10th March 1937, boasting a 980-yard grass runway.”

“The original airport consisted of two hangars coupled with the terminal building, which included a central tower and two side buildings for departures and arrivals. There was also a restaurant and outdoor terraces on the second floor. In addition, the building also housed the control and wireless rooms as well as having space for a meteorological team.”

“A key strategic asset, Jersey Airport continues to play a significant role in the growth of the Island’s major industries, first tourism and then finance, providing essential transport links that must be the envy of most other islands of a similar size and population. As Jersey Airport celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2012 it will continue to pursue new opportunities and remains ‘open for business’, in a manner that reflects optimism and flexibility.” 

Group Chief Executive Officer for Ports of Jersey, Doug Bannister, says “We are delighted that Jersey Post has chosen to celebrate Jersey Airport’s 75th anniversary with this commemorative stamp collection. The airport has played a significant role in everyday island life for the past 75 years and the information booklet and accompanying stamps are a wonderful reflection of this.”

All products can be viewed and ordered now at www.jerseystamps.com