Spitfire to fly from Southampton Airport to mark 90 years since first flight
The Spitfire's been painted to represent the original prototype K5054 and will fly from Southampton
A Spitfire's set to take flight from Southampton International Airport today to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire.
The Spitfire's been painted to represent the original prototype K5054 and will fly from Southampton first as this is the site of its historic maiden flight.
During each journey, the Spitfire will visit historic locations across the UK that are connected to its remarkable legacy.
Matt Jones is a pilot flying the Spitfire, he said: "It's a great honour to have anything to do with this aeroplane.
"It's so well loved in this country and around the world and marks our country and its best.
"We fly in honour and commemoration of all the people who gave their lives or prepared to give their lives flying them, those who designed them, built them for the war effort as a whole, really."
The commemorative flights will visit the following locations:
1 - Southampton – RAF Coningsby
2 - RAF Coningsby – RAF Leuchars
3 - RAF Leuchars – RAF Lossiemouth
4 - RAF Lossiemouth – Prestwick
5 - Prestwick – RAF Valley
6 - RAF Valley – MOD St Athan
7 - MOD St Athan – RAF St Mawgan (Newquay)
8 - RAF St Mawgan – Exeter
9 - Exeter – Southampton
Members of the public have the unique opportunity to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience and fly with the aircraft.
The flights are scheduled to take place over nine working days between Tuesday, 7th April 2026, and Friday, 17th April 2026.
Seats on these exclusive flights will be auctioned by Spitfires.com, with proceeds going to the Mark Long Trust and the RAF Benevolent Fund.