How to see the 90th Anniversary Spitfire arrive in Exeter

An iconic silhouette will return to the skies over Devon next week as a special commemorative Spitfire flight marks 90 years since the legendary aircraft first took to the air.

The Supermarine Spitfire, the backbone of Britain’s aerial defense during the Second World War, is being celebrated with a nationwide tour.

On 16 April, a two-seat Spitfire, painted in the distinctive silver livery of the original K5054 prototype, is scheduled to touch down at Exeter Airport.

The flight is a collaboration between the Royal Air Force and Spitfires.com, aimed at honoring the 1936 maiden flight of R.J. Mitchell’s masterpiece.

The aircraft is expected to depart from RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall, crossing the "English Riviera" before arriving in Exeter. Historians note the route is one steeped in significance, mirrored by the young fighter pilots who patrolled the South West coast during the Battle of Britain.

Arrival: Thursday, 16 April, scheduled for 10.55am at Exeter Airport.

Departure: Friday, 17 April, bound for Southampton Airport, the city where the Spitfire was originally built.

Aviation enthusiasts are in for a rare treat during the Cornwall-to-Devon leg. The nimble fighter is expected to be joined in formation by a "giant of the skies", an RAF A400M Atlas transport aircraft.

The contrast between the 1930s design and the modern military transporter is intended to showcase nine decades of British aviation evolution.

The aircraft will remain at Exeter overnight before continuing its journey east to Southampton on 17 April, completing a symbolic link between the Spitfire's wartime heritage and its birthplace.