Archive of Jersey Airport

The Jersey Airport collection includes papers relating to the establishment of the airport in 1937 and diaries, movement records and log books from the Air Traffic Control department.

The first aeroplane to land in Jersey touched down on the beach at West Park, on the Island's south coast in August 1912. However, it was to be another 25 years before Jersey had an airport on dry land. 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 field in St Peter, towards the west of the Island.The new Jersey Airport was officially opened on 10 March 1937 at a total cost of £127,000. The project used a total of 97 acres, with a 980-yard grass runway. Jersey Airport boasted two hangars and the terminal building itself included a central tower and two side buildings for arrivals and departures, with a restaurant and terraces on the second floor. Red obstruction lights were placed at the tops of nearby high buildings and warning lights and floodlights were positioned around the boundary.Within a year of opening, an estimated 20,000 visitors had flown to Jersey, many of them holidaying from mainland UK. For more information the history of Jersey Airport please see http://www.jerseyairport.com/index.asp?NavID=74

Full catalogue available to view online at www.jerseyheritage.org. Access to records at Jersey Archive. Please bring driving licence or passport as ID on your first visit.

Full catalogue available to view online at www.jerseyheritage.org.