Southampton Airport today (Thursday, 5th of March) welcomed heritage partners, civic guests and members of the media to commemorate 90 years since the first flight of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire.
The world‑famous aircraft was assembled near where the current terminal building is and took to the skies for the first time on 5th March 1936.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, two significant plaques were unveiled within the terminal, recognising both the global importance of the Spitfire and the people of Southampton who brought it to life.
The first plaque, presented by the Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust honours the thousands of men and women from across the region who designed, built, repaired and supplied the aircraft before and during the Second World War.
Unveiled alongside it, a second plaque awarded by World Origin Site, officially accredits Southampton Airport as the birthplace of one of history’s most influential aviation 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 an engineering landmark that continues to resonate around the world.
Installed in the terminal, the plaque ensures that the contribution of these civilian workers is visible to all passengers and visitors, reflecting the city’s critical role in Britain’s wartime innovation and industrial resilience.
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.
“These plaques honour both a world‑changing first flight and the extraordinary men and women who built the aircraft that helped change the course of history. We are privileged to work with our heritage partners to ensure this story continues to inspire future generations, and we are proud that Southampton Airport remains central to telling it.”
Southampton Airport was also honoured to welcome J. Willgoose Esq., founder of the critically acclaimed band Public Service Broadcasting, as guest of honour to unveil the World Origin Site plaque.
Willgoose’s connection to the Spitfire is rooted in the band’s celebrated track “Spitfire”, which pays tribute to the aircraft and features archival audio taken from the 1942 film The First of the Few, telling the story of Spitfire designer R.J. Mitchell.
Through this work, Willgoose has helped bring the Spitfire’s legacy to new audiences, blending historical storytelling with contemporary music to highlight the aircraft’s enduring cultural significance.
Martin Wilkie, founder of World Origin Site, said “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.”
Alan Matlock, Chair of the Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust, said, "This plaque is the latest in more than 20 we have unveiled so far in and around Southampton. Each one marks a place where Spitfires were being made.
"Today, we are delighted to have family members of some of the original Spitfire Makers join us to honour those who worked, later under the threat of enemy attack, to turn the design into reality.
"And we recall Churchill's words in July 1940: 'The front line runs through the factories. The workers are soldiers with different weapons, but the same courage."
J. Willgoose Esq from Public Service Broadcasting, said: “I’m delighted to be asked to be part of a key celebration of this most wonderful, historic piece of engineering.
“We all owe a great debt in this country to the Spitfire and its creator and manufacturers, but my band especially so; if ever a group truly stood on the shoulders of giants, it’s us. Being here to pay tribute to those giants is a privilege.”
The ceremony formed part of a wider programme of commemorative activities across the city, delivered with support from organisations including World Origin Site, The Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust, The National Spitfire Project and The Supermariners.
As part of the day’s activity, Southampton Airport also supported efforts to bring Spitfires to the region, coordinating aircraft operations for planned flypasts tracing the historic route along the River Itchen.
A scale model of the proposed National Spitfire Monument, set to be built in Southampton, also remains on display within the terminal.