Spitfire’s Epic Flight Marks 80 Years Since Maiden Voyage
A spectacular Spitfire flypast over Southampton Airport today celebrated 80 years since the legendary plane’s first flight. Matt Jones took the controls, thrilling onlookers just before 11:50 AM as the iconic aircraft soared over the very skies where it all began.
Flying High Over Historic Ground
The first Spitfire prototype, K5054, designed by aviation genius R.J. Mitchell, took off from Eastleigh Aerodrome on March 5, 1936. Today’s commemorative flight retraced those historic paths:
- Gliding over Southampton Water
- Passing the old Supermarine factory in Woolston, the birthplace of thousands of WWII fighters
- Overflying R.J. Mitchell’s grave at Stoneham
- Continuing to Portsmouth Harbour before looping back to Southampton Airport
The Fight That Changed History
The Spitfire was pivotal in WWII, with the Woolston Supermarine factory a prime Luftwaffe target aiming to halt production. The flypast honoured those who helped create and protect these legendary machines.
Tributes and Celebrations at Southampton
Local Air Cadets formed a guard of honour as the Spitfire was wheeled from the hangar — located on the very site of the old Eastleigh Aerodrome. The event ended with a heartfelt cake-cutting ceremony commemorating this milestone.
