Commemorative flights will take place across the United Kingdom to mark ninety years since the first flight of the legendary Supermarine Spitfire, an aircraft that came to symbolise Britain’s determination and resilience in wartime.
In partnership with Spitfires.com, the Royal Air Force is supporting a nationwide tour by a two seat Spitfire painted in the colours of the original prototype, K5054. The aircraft will travel between historic airfields linked with the Spitfire’s story, offering members of the public a rare chance to fly in one of the most famous aircraft ever built.
Seats in the aircraft will be available through an online auction, allowing successful bidders to take part in one leg of the commemorative journey.
A Revolutionary Aircraft
The Spitfire first flew on 5 March 1936 when test pilot Joseph ‘Mutt’ Summers took the prototype K5054 into the air from what is now Southampton Airport.
The flight lasted only around eight minutes, yet it marked the beginning of a design that would become one of the most influential fighter aircraft of the twentieth century. Summers reportedly remarked after landing that the aircraft needed no changes, an early sign of the remarkable design created by aviation engineer R. J. Mitchell.
During the Second World War the Spitfire became closely associated with Britain’s defence of its skies, particularly during the Battle of Britain. With its distinctive elliptical wings, speed and manoeuvrability, the aircraft played a crucial role alongside the Hawker Hurricane in resisting the German Luftwaffe during the summer of 1940.
More than 20,000 Spitfires were built in many different variants during the war. The aircraft served not only in the defence of Britain but also across Europe, North Africa and the Far East. Even today the Spitfire remains one of the most recognisable aircraft in the world and a lasting symbol of British aviation.
Nationwide Tour
The commemorative aircraft will fly between airfields across the United Kingdom between 7 and 17 April 2026. The journey has been designed to reflect the aircraft’s long service and its enduring place in British history.
Nine flights are planned, each representing a decade of the Spitfire’s legacy, linking locations connected with the aircraft and the Royal Air Force.
Flight Schedule
7 April, Southampton Airport to RAF Coningsby
8 April, RAF Coningsby to RAF Leuchars
9 April, RAF Leuchars to RAF Lossiemouth
10 April, RAF Lossiemouth to Glasgow Prestwick Airport
13 April, Glasgow Prestwick Airport to RAF Valley
14 April, RAF Valley to MOD St Athan
15 April, MOD St Athan to RAF St Mawgan
16 April, RAF St Mawgan to Exeter Airport
17 April, Exeter Airport to Southampton Airport
The auction for seats aboard the aircraft opened on 5 March 2026, exactly ninety years after the Spitfire first took to the skies.
Supporting Aviation Charities
Money raised through the flights will support two aviation charities, the Mark Long Trust and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
The Mark Long Trust was established in memory of Squadron Leader Mark Long and works to give disabled people the chance to experience flight.
The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund provides welfare support for serving personnel, veterans and their families, including financial assistance and practical help for those in need.
Ninety years after its first flight, the Spitfire continues to inspire admiration across Britain and around the world, a powerful reminder of the ingenuity of its designers and the courage of the pilots who flew it in defence of the nation.
