Map shows where the Spitfire will fly across the UK in April

A series of nine Spitfire flights across the UK has been announced to mark the 90th anniversary of the famous Battle of Britain aircraft.

Flights will start and end at Southampton, Hampshire, where the plane was originally designed and developed by RJ Mitchell.

Seats on the flights will be auctioned to the public to raise funds for the Mark Long Trust, which supports disabled people in aviation, and the Royal Air Force

Historic aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) will accompany the Spitfire on the first flight next month, with modern RAF aircraft joining for the subsequent journeys.

A BBMF spokeswoman said: ‘The Spitfire became a symbol of British resilience during the Second World War, playing a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain and securing its place as one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history.

‘Over 20,000 Spitfires were built during their production run, and it remains a celebrated symbol of innovation, courage, and engineering excellence.’

Where will the flights be?

The first flight will leave Southampton on April 7 for RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire.

It will make stops at RAF Luechers, RAF Lossiemouth, and Prestwick, in Scotland, RAF Valley, MOD St Athan and RAF St Mawgan in Wales, then Exeter in Devon and back to Southampton on April 17.

A BBMF spokesperson added: ‘The BBMF, which operates five Spitfires of its own, will join ‘K5054’ in the air during the first commemorative flight before escorting it to its first landing location at RAF Coningsby, the home of the BBMF.

‘Throughout the remaining commemorative flights, modern Royal Air Force assets will also join the Spitfire prior to the aircraft’s arrival at each subsequent landing location.

‘These flights will showcase the evolution of RAF aircraft over the years, set against the backdrop of the nation’s most iconic fighter aircraft.’

What are the Spitfires?

The Supermarine Spitfire was instrumental in protecting the UK during WWII’s Battle of Britain, fighting the Nazi Luftwaffe in the sky above England.

The planes, built in Southampton, got their names from the eight machine guns mounted on their wings.

There are only around 30 to 40 functioning Spitfires in the United Kingdom to this day, but many are kept by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The iconic planes were used throughout World War Two, but the last RAF mission with the plane was in 1954.

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