The first flight of the eagerly anticipated commemorative Spitfire90 tour has successfully landed at RAF Coningsby. The nine flights have been organised to celebrate 90 years since the Supermarine Spitfire’s maiden flight.
Departing from Southampton International Airport yesterday, the very site where Captain Joseph ‘Mutt’ Summers piloted the original Spitfire prototype K5054 on 5th March 1936, the specially painted two-seat Spitfire, replicating the original K5054, was escorted by the Dakota and Spitfire AB910 belonging to the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) as it made its way to RAF Coningsby, the home of the BBMF. During the flight, “K5054” was also joined in the vicinity of RAF Marham by two F35 Lightning II aircraft.
This milestone event honours the Spitfire’s enduring legacy as a symbol of British resilience and innovation, particularly its pivotal role during the Second World War and the Battle of Britain. The tour will continue across Great Britain, visiting historic RAF locations connected to the Spitfire’s storied past, with modern RAF aircraft joining the flights to showcase the evolution of British air power.
The Spitfire90 tour is a collaboration between the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Spitfires.com, who offer members of the public the unique opportunity to experience flights in authentic two-seat Spitfires as well as providing vital Spitfire Simulator training used annually by the BBMF. The event also supports two charities: the Mark Long Trust, which empowers disabled individuals through aviation opportunities, and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, providing lifelong support to serving and former RAF personnel and their families. Through the auction managed by Spitfires.com, over £100,000 has been raised and will be split between the two chosen charities.
A BBMF Spokesperson said: “Yesterday’s flight and landing here at RAF Coningsby is a proud and memorable moment for all involved. The Spitfire remains an enduring symbol of courage and engineering excellence, and this tour allows us to celebrate its remarkable history while inspiring future generations.”
The Spitfire90 tour will continue with flights to Leuchars Air Field, RAF Lossiemouth, Prestwick, RAF Valley, MOD St Athan, RAF St Mawgan (Newquay), Exeter, and finally back to Southampton, completing approximately 15 flying hours over nine days.
Spitfire “K5054” during transit to RAF Coningsby on the first flight of the Spitfire90 tour, alongside BBMF Spitfire AB910. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
Spitfire “K5054” during transit to RAF Coningsby on the first flight of the Spitfire90 tour, alongside two F35 Lightning II Jets from RAF Marham. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
Spitfire “K5054” over RAF Coningsby on the first flight of the Spitfire90 tour. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
