There are moments that stir the British soul, moments when the past and present meet in the skies above this great nation, reminding us exactly who we are. The launch of the Spitfire90 commemorative tour is one of them.
In a stirring and deeply symbolic opening, the first flight of the historic tour touched down at RAF Coningsby this week (7 April), marking ninety years since the maiden flight of Britain’s most iconic aircraft. This is not merely a celebration of engineering excellence, it is a tribute to Britain’s ingenuity, courage, and unbreakable spirit.
The journey began at Southampton, the very ground where, on 5 March 1936, Captain Joseph “Mutt” Summers first lifted the prototype K5054 into the air and changed the course of aviation history forever. Nearly nine decades on, a specially painted two seat Spitfire, faithfully recreating that original aircraft, retraced those historic steps, soaring once more into British skies.
And what a sight it was.
Escorted in stately formation by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfire AB910 and a Dakota transport aircraft, itself a veteran of wartime service, the aircraft made its way north with a dignity befitting its legacy. As it passed near RAF Marham, the past met the present in breathtaking fashion, with two F35 Lightning II jets joining the formation, a powerful reminder that Britain’s mastery of the skies endures.
The Supermarine Spitfire is no ordinary aircraft. Designed by the brilliant R. J. Mitchell, its elegant elliptical wings were not merely beautiful, they were revolutionary, reducing drag and giving the aircraft exceptional speed and manoeuvrability. Powered in its most famous variants by the Rolls Royce Merlin engine, the Spitfire could exceed 360 miles per hour and climb rapidly to intercept enemy aircraft, a decisive advantage during the darkest days of the Second World War. Later versions even employed the more powerful Rolls Royce Griffon engine, further enhancing performance.
It was during the Battle of Britain that the Spitfire earned its immortal place in history. Though often paired with the Hurricane, it was the Spitfire that captured the imagination of a nation under siege, its pilots, the Few, defending these islands against overwhelming odds. It remains one of the most enduring symbols of British resistance, innovation, and quiet determination.
The opening flight of the Spitfire90 tour was therefore far more than ceremonial. It was a living reminder of what Britain achieved when faced with existential threat, and what it continues to achieve today.
The tour now continues across the country, visiting RAF stations steeped in history, from Leuchars and Lossiemouth to Valley, St Athan, and St Mawgan, before returning to Southampton. Along the way, modern RAF aircraft will join the formation, demonstrating the seamless evolution of British air power, from piston engines to cutting edge stealth fighters.
This remarkable initiative is a collaboration between the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Spitfires.com, an organisation dedicated to preserving these priceless aircraft and offering members of the public the rare chance to experience flight in a genuine two seat Spitfire. Crucially, the tour is also raising funds for worthy causes, including the Mark Long Trust, which opens aviation opportunities to disabled individuals, and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, which supports serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Already, more than £100,000 has been raised through associated auctions.
A spokesperson for the Memorial Flight described the landing at Coningsby as “a proud and memorable moment,” a sentiment that will be shared across the nation.
At a time when national confidence is too often questioned, Britain need only look skyward to be reminded of its enduring strengths. The Spitfire is not just a relic of the past, it is a statement of identity, a testament to what this country can achieve through skill, courage, and unity.
As the Spitfire90 tour continues its journey across the United Kingdom, one thing is certain, wherever it flies, it carries with it the indomitable spirit of Britain.
Where You Can See the Spitfire90 Tour
For readers inspired to witness this extraordinary tribute firsthand, the Spitfire90 tour will be visible at locations across the United Kingdom throughout April.
Following its opening flight on 7 April, the tour continues its journey through some of the most historic and strategically significant airfields in Britain, offering a rare chance to see these iconic aircraft in flight once more.
Confirmed Route:
9 April – RAF Leuchars to RAF Lossiemouth
10 April – RAF Lossiemouth to Glasgow Prestwick Airport
13 April – Glasgow Prestwick to RAF Valley
14 April – RAF Valley to MOD St Athan
15 April – MOD St Athan to RAF St Mawgan, Newquay
16 April – RAF St Mawgan to Exeter Airport
17 April – Exeter Airport to Southampton Airport
Best Viewing Opportunities:
Members of the public will have the greatest chance of seeing the aircraft at more accessible locations such as Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Exeter Airport, and Southampton Airport, where viewing areas are available.
While RAF stations along the route are generally not open to the public, the aircraft will be visible in the skies across large parts of the country as it travels between destinations, often accompanied by other historic and modern RAF aircraft.
Flights are expected to take place primarily in the late morning, though timings will vary depending on weather and operational requirements.
Even though the Midlands is not an official stop on the tour, there is a strong chance residents will catch a glimpse of the Spitfire as it passes overhead on its journey across the country, so keep your eyes on the skies and do let us know if you spot it and manage to capture any photographs.
For many, the most memorable experience may simply be to look skyward as the Spitfire passes overhead, a moving reminder of Britain’s past, present, and enduring strength.
