A series of commemorative flights will take place across the UK to mark 90 years since the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire.
Working with Spitfires.com, the Royal Air Force is supporting a nationwide tour by a two-seat Spitfire painted to represent the original prototype K5054.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to bid for a seat in the aircraft as it travels between airfields across the UK.
First Flight in 1936
The first Spitfire flight took place on 5 March 1936, when test pilot Joseph 'Mutt' Summers flew prototype K5054 from what is now Southampton Airport.
The flight lasted around eight minutes. After landing, Summers is reported to have said: “Don’t change a thing.”
The aircraft would go on to become one of the most recognised fighters of the Second World War and an enduring symbol of British aviation.
UK Tour
The civilian owned aircraft will undertake a series of flights between 7 and 17 April 2026, visiting RAF stations and airports associated with the Spitfire’s history.
Nine flights will take place, each representing a decade of the aircraft’s service and legacy.
Seats will be offered through an online auction, with successful bidders joining the aircraft in the passenger seat for one leg of the journey.
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 opens on 5 March 2026.
Supporting aviation charities
Funds raised from the flights will support the Mark Long Trust and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
The Mark Long Trust provides opportunities for disabled people to experience flying in memory of Squadron Leader Mark Long, who died in a Spitfire accident.
The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund supports serving RAF personnel, veterans and their families with financial assistance, mobility equipment and welfare support.
Further information about the auction is available at Spitfires.com.
