Happy 90th Birthday, Spitfire!

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Supermarine Spitfire's first flight, which took place on 5 March 1936 at Eastleigh Aerodrome in Southampton. Test pilot Joseph 'Mutt' Summers famously landed after the prototype's eight-minute maiden flight and remarked, "Don't change a thing." Those words would prove prophetic as the Spitfire went on to become one of history's most iconic aircraft (and of course it did improve significantly throughout the war as variants had to keep up, but the point is, pilots loved it!).

To commemorate this remarkable milestone, a number of special events are taking place across the UK during the summer of 2026:

* Southampton – The Birthplace of the Spitfire: Throughout the year, Southampton is hosting exhibitions, guided walks, museum displays, commemorative plaques, and flypasts celebrating the aircraft's origins.

* Shuttleworth Summer Air Show – 25 July 2026: A truly unique event aiming to gather **one example of every airworthy Spitfire mark currently flying in the UK**, alongside special displays honouring the aircraft's designers, test pilots, and wartime service.

* Spitfire 90 Commemorative Tour: A restored two-seat Spitfire painted as prototype **K5054** is undertaking a nine-leg circumnavigation of Great Britain, accompanied on many flights by Royal Air Force aircraft in tribute to nine decades of Spitfire history. See Spitfires.com.

Ninety years after its first flight, the Spitfire continues to inspire aviation enthusiasts around the world. Whether you're fortunate enough to attend one of these events or simply hear the unmistakable sound of a Merlin engine overhead this summer, take a moment to remember the designers, builders, engineers, and pilots whose efforts created an enduring symbol of courage, innovation, and freedom. If you know of other events we should list, please use the contact us form below.

Happy Birthday!