Unable to boot install iso on Macbook Air (2010)

[glyntr]

Hi,
I have an A1369 Macbook Air (late 2010) - it appears to have 64-bit EFI. Specs are at this URL if interested: https://techable.com/apple/specs/macbook-air-13-inch-core-i5-1-7-ghz-2011/
It was running Ubuntu 20.04 fine, but was quite slow, so after seeing good things about SparkyLinux, I decided to try and install it. Downloaded the ISO and flashed it to a USB stick, but when I boot with USB key plugged in the system stops at a bright white screen directly after you hear the Mac chime and it never enters the boot sequence.

I am at a loss at what the problem could be, because:

• This same USB key works fine on an older MAC (so the USB key and install should theoretically be fine)
• The Mac still boots to Ubuntu (when USB not plugged in) and boots with the Ubuntu USB (so the Mac itself shouldn't have any issue
• The Mac appears to have 64-bit EFI, so should be able to boot a standard ISO

Any thoughts on what the issue could be?