Two commemorative plaques have been placed at Southampton’s terminal to honour the legacy of the aircraft and the people who built it.
The first plaque, presented by the Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust, honours the thousands of people across the region who designed, built, repaired and supplied the aircraft before and during the Second World War.
A second plaque, awarded by World Origin Site, officially recognises the airport as the birthplace of one of aviation’s most significant achievements.
This recognition marks the airport as the first in the world to be designated a World Origin Site for its role in hosting the maiden flight of the Spitfire prototype.
Maurice Boyle, operations director at Southampton Airport, said: “Southampton is the home of the Spitfire, and today’s dual unveiling reflects the deep pride our region holds in that legacy.
Martin Wilkie, founder of World Origin Site, said: “The Spitfire is effectively the Mona Lisa of flying, it is so iconic and so beautiful.”
“Southampton Airport has played an amazing part in aviation history. It’s almost impossible to gauge the global respect for the Spitfire.
“It’s possibly the most famous aeroplane in the world and one with such a celebrated place in history.
“Everything had to start somewhere and now more people will be made aware that the birthplace of the Spitfire was right here at Southampton Airport 90 years ago today.
“It was only a brief eight-minute flight but one that changed the modern world.”
“Now the team at Southampton Airport, the staff and passengers alike can be proud to know that they are at this very significant World Origin Site.”
The ceremony ended with a chance to see a Spitfire land at the airport terminal.
Stephanie Crimble, granddaughter of one of the original Spitfire designers, Donald Fear, said: “It feels really emotional to see this plane here.
“It’s incredible to be here and see this beautiful machine.”
Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen, said: “For Southampton and for the world, Spitfire is incredibly symbolic, for the role that it played in the Battle of Britain.
“It feels right 90 years on to commemorate both the engineering and mostly the people who made it all happen.”
Councillor James Baillie, Mayor of Southampton, said: “Today we’re commemorating the 90th anniversary of the first flight, but what followed was years of thousands of people spending their time and some even giving their lives to ultimately win the war.
“Remembering the sacrifice that stemmed from this is really important.”
A model of the proposed National Spitfire Monument, planned for Mayflower Park, is also on display at the terminal.