90th anniversary Spitfire tour to support the RAF Benevolent Fund

This year marks 90 years since the first flight of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire, one of the most recognisable aircraft in aviation history. To celebrate the anniversary, a special commemorative flying tour will take place across the UK this April – helping to raise vital funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Organised by the Royal Air Force and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) in partnership with Spitfires.com, the event will see a two-seat Spitfire painted to replicate the original K5054 prototype embark on a nationwide tour. Along the way, members of the public will have the rare opportunity to fly in the rear cockpit of a Spitfire, with seats auctioned to raise money for the Fund and the Mark Long Trust.

Honouring an aviation legend
On 5 March 1936, Captain Joseph “Mutt” Summers piloted the first Supermarine Spitfire from Eastleigh Aerodrome, now Southampton International Airport. After just eight minutes in the air, he famously declared, “Don’t change a thing.” 

The aircraft would go on to become a defining symbol of British resilience during the Second World War, playing a vital role in the Battle of Britain and securing its place as one of the most celebrated fighter aircraft ever built.
A nationwide commemorative tour.

From 7–17 April 2026, the specially painted Spitfire will undertake nine commemorative flights across the UK, visiting locations closely linked to RAF and Spitfire history.

The tour will begin at Southampton International Airport, where the aircraft first took to the skies 90 years ago. The first flight will see the Spitfire join aircraft from the BBMF before landing at RAF Coningsby, the BBMF’s home base. For the rest of the tour, the aircraft will visit locations closely linked to RAF and Spitfire history, including:

•    RAF Coningsby
•    RAF Leuchars
•    RAF Lossiemouth
•    Prestwick
•    RAF Valley
•    MOD St Athan
•    RAF St Mawgan (Newquay)
•    Exeter
•    Southampton

Throughout the tour, modern RAF aircraft will accompany the Spitfire as it arrives at each destination, showcasing the evolution of RAF aviation across the decades.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
Seats on the commemorative flights will be auctioned by Spitfires.com, giving supporters the chance to experience the thrill of flying in one of the world’s most legendary aircraft.

The auction opened on 5 March 2026 with proceeds supporting both the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Mark Long Trust.

By taking part in the Spitfire 90 anniversary event, supporters will be helping ensure that the RAF Benevolent Fund can continue providing vital support to RAF personnel, veterans and their families.