Spitfire's 80th Anniversary Flypast Wows Southampton
A thrilling spitfire flypast marked 80 years since the legendary plane’s maiden flight, taking to the skies over Southampton just before 11:50 today.
Historic Flight Retraced Over Southampton
Pilot Matt Jones took the iconic Spitfire up from Southampton Airport, watched by media and crowds atop the airport car park. The original prototype, K5054, designed by RJ Mitchell, first took off from Eastleigh Aerodrome on March 5, 1936.
Tribute Flight Over Landmarks of WWII Aviation
The vintage fighter soared over Southampton Water and the former Supermarine factory in Woolston, where thousands of Spitfires were built during World War Two. The flypast also honoured RJ Mitchell’s final resting place at Stoneham before heading to Portsmouth Harbour, then returning to Southampton Airport.
During the war, the Supermarine plant was heavily targeted by the Luftwaffe in an attempt to halt Spitfire production, highlighting the aircraft’s vital role in the Allied victory.
Local Air Cadets Pay Tribute
Members of the local Air Cadet Squadron lined up to present a guard of honour as the Spitfire was wheeled out of the hangar at Southampton Airport, located on the historic Eastleigh Aerodrome site. The celebrations included a special cake-cutting ceremony to mark this significant aviation milestone.
