A series of commemorative flights will take place across the UK, including in St Athan, to mark 90 years since the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire.
Working with Spitfires.com, the Royal Air Force is supporting a nationwide tour by a two-seat Spitfire painted to represent the original prototype K5054.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to bid for a seat in the aircraft as it travels between airfields across the UK.
The first Spitfire flight took place on 5 March 1936, when test pilot Joseph 'Mutt' Summers flew prototype K5054 from what is now Southampton Airport.
The flight lasted around eight minutes. After landing, Summers is reported to have said: “Don’t change a thing.”
The aircraft would go on to become one of the most recognised fighters of the Second World War and an enduring symbol of British aviation.
The aircraft will undertake a series of flights between 7 and 17 April 2026, visiting RAF stations and airports associated with the Spitfire’s history, including RAF St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan.
In total, nine flights will take place, each representing a decade of the aircraft’s service and legacy.
Seats will be offered through an online auction, with successful bidders joining the aircraft in the passenger seat for one leg of the journey.
Flight schedule
- 7 April – Southampton Airport to RAF Coningsby
- 8 April – RAF Coningsby to RAF Leuchars
- 9 April – RAF Leuchars to RAF Lossiemouth
- 10 April – RAF Lossiemouth to Glasgow Prestwick Airport
- 13 April – Glasgow Prestwick Airport to RAF Valley
- 14 April – RAF Valley to MOD St Athan
- 15 April – MOD St Athan to RAF St Mawgan
- 16 April – RAF St Mawgan to Exeter Airport
- 17 April – Exeter Airport to Southampton Airport
Funds raised from the flights will support the Mark Long Trust and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
The Mark Long Trust provides opportunities for disabled people to experience flying in memory of Squadron Leader Mark Long, who died in a Spitfire accident.
The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund supports serving RAF personnel, veterans and their families with financial assistance, mobility equipment and welfare support.
Further information about the auction is available at Spitfires.com.

Coastal Litter Pick Series Announced for Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Glamorgan Archives invites visitors behind the scenes to discover centuries of history
£200,000 Secured for Next Phase of Barry RFC Sports & Community Hub Redevelopment
Walk‑In Hepatitis A Vaccination Clinics Open in Barry as Health Board Expands Outbreak Response
Over 27.4% of Vale GCSE students acheive A or A* Grade
Rhoose Community Library Marks Ten Years as Volunteer‑Run Community Hub
Calls to build a new Lido re-surface with resident saying the town "is in dire need of"
Barry Man’s 190‑Mile Charity Walk Reaches Day Two as He Heads Home to the Town That Changed His Life
Hepatitis A Vaccination Programme Launched for Young Children in Barry Amid Ongoing Local Cases
Barry Councillor Urges Local Chapels to Help Update Wales‑Wide Heritage Project
Dispersal Order issued at Cosmeston as council warns of ‘extremely dangerous’ behaviour
Three Rescues in 24 Hours as RNLI Barry Dock Urges Caution Around Sully Island
Police Investigate ATM Theft in Cowbridge After Pensioner Targeted
Break‑In at St Athan Community Centre Forces Volunteers to Divert Funds from Upcoming Events
Vale Students Celebrate Strong A and AS Level Results
Llantwit Major School Celebrates Record-Breaking A Level Success
Senedd recess: What have the Welsh political parties been up to so far?
Vueling withdraws winter flights to Aicante this winter
Playground in Barry forced to close after fire damages equipment
Campaigners Take Fight for Fairer Pathways in Welsh Women’s Football to Parliament