The historic flight marked 90 years since the aircraft’s first‑ever flight, which also departed from the then Eastleigh airport in 1936.
Among the aviation enthusiasts watching the first leg of the Spitfire 90 Celebrations Tour was Paul Graham, who travelled from Basingstoke.
(Image: Erin Rhodes)
Paul said: “I love the history of the Spitfire.
“It’s the plane that won us the war and it’s still flying to this day.”
Spectators looked to the sky just before 1pm, as the Spitfire K5054 lifted off from the runway to launch the first of nine commemorative flights around Great Britain.
Spitfire taking off from Southampton Airport (Image: Callum Saunders)
The tour, run by Spitfires.com in partnership with the Royal Air Force, will see the aircraft travel to locations including RAF Coningsby, RAF Leuchars, RAF Lossiemouth, Prestwick Airport, RAF Valley and MOD St Athan, before returning to Southampton Airport on April 17.
Callum Saunders, from Swaythling, described the take‑off as a “beautiful sight”.
(Image: Erin Rhodes)
“It’s amazing to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the aircraft. As soon as the engine started up, the sound was so graceful – it was incredible to watch,” he said.
The Spitfire first flew on March 5, 1936, when test pilot Joseph ‘Mutt’ Summers piloted the prototype on an eight‑minute maiden flight, later telling engineers: “Don’t change a thing.”
To mark the anniversary, Spitfires.com painted its two‑seat Spitfire BS410 in the original K5054’s colours.
They also auctioned a rare opportunity to fly in the aircraft, raising more than £2,000 for the Mark Long Trust and the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Jenny Nelson, 72, who travelled from New Milton, said: “I am mad about Spitfires. Seeing it take off was absolutely amazing – I just love the noise it makes.”
Jenny Nelson (Image: NQ)
A Southampton Airport spokesperson added: “As the birthplace of the original Spitfire prototype, this is a deeply meaningful moment for our airport and our community.
“The team at Spitfires.com and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight helped the airport celebrate the anniversary last month by the unveiling of two special plaques in our terminal, recognising both the global significance of the Spitfire’s first flight and the extraordinary men and women of Southampton who brought the aircraft to life.
“The Spitfire holds a unique place in global aviation history and in the identity of Southampton, and it is wonderful to see this milestone celebrated in such an inspiring way.”