Jersey Airways poster – 90 Minutes From London – Vintage Airlines Poster

Jersey Airways poster – 90 Minutes From London – Vintage Airlines Poster – 1935 Is this what Air Traffic Control looked like in Jersey in the early 1930s? The central figure on the Jersey Airways poster is a stylish “beach babe,” her pose radiating timeless elegance. With golden-tanned skin and a chic pink bikini, she stands on the pristine sands of St Aubin’s beach, a white handkerchief held high in a graceful wave. This gesture,  a friendly greeting to the passing de Havilland Dragon Rapide aeroplane as it soars overhead, a symbol of progress and a new wave of tourism. Below, on the shoreline, a second aeroplane has already landed, its passengers now part of the idyllic seaside scene. This depiction is a fascinating and accurate reflection of the early days of Jersey Airways. Before the official airport opened in 1937, the vast, tidal sands of St Aubin’s beach served as the island’s unconventional yet charming landing strip. The sight of these aircraft on the beach is a key feature of the Jersey Airways poster, offering a glimpse into the pioneering spirit of early commercial aviation. The Story Behind the Poster Created in 1935 by an anonymous artist, this stunning Jersey Airways poster was a powerful marketing tool for the recently formed Jersey Airways Limited. The artwork enticed potential travellers with promises of quick and easy journeys—just 90 minutes from London and a mere 60 minutes from Southampton. The poster also proudly notes the company’s association with the Southern & Great Western Railway Companies, highlighting a seamless, multi-modal travel experience. Jersey Airways was founded on 9 December 1933, by Walter Thurgood. The company’s first commercial flight took off from Jersey to Portsmouth later that month, marking the beginning of a golden era of air travel to the Channel Islands. By 1934, they had launched the popular London to Jersey service. Passengers would take a special bus from London to Heston Aerodrome, where they would board their flight. The airline’s success was remarkable. In its first full year of operation, Jersey Airways carried 20,000 passengers, a testament to the growing demand for air travel. The company initially operated a fleet of eight de Havilland DH 84 Dragons, each capable of carrying eight passengers, which were later replaced with more advanced de Havilland Expresses and Dragon Rapides. A New Era of Aviation The opening of Jersey Airport in March 1937 was a game-changer for the airline. No longer at the mercy of the tides, Jersey Airways could now operate a fixed, reliable timetable, cementing its place as a cornerstone of island transport. However, this pioneering journey came to an end in 1947 when the British government nationalised the UK’s airlines, including Jersey Airways, to form British European Airways (BEA). The Jersey Airways poster stands as a beautiful reminder of this short but significant period in aviation history.