Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Silver spitfire leaves UK to embark on worldwide flight

Aerospace

Silver spitfire leaves UK to embark on worldwide flight

Two intrepid aviators – Matt Jones and Steve Brooks – have left Goodwood Aerodrome in order to attempt to fly a Silver Spitfire around the world, taking in some of the most famous landmarks on the planet from the Grand Canyon in the West to the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji in the East. One of the first flights was accompanied by a Royal Air Force Typhoon that escorted the Silver Spitfire from RAF Coningsby.


Copyright: Royal Air Force

The Spitfire is a UK treasure and an emblem of freedom across the globe, used extensively by the Royal Air Force in World War II. The Silver Spitfire expedition will hopefully promote the ‘Best of British’ worldwide showcasing the nation’s heritage in engineering excellence, and an aircraft that changed the course of history. The Spitfire embodies not only a pinnacle in aerospace engineering and design but commemorates a generation of intrepid aviators prepared to stand up to oppression and make the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of freedom.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Flight Seargant Matt Field Survival Equipment Technician, was involved with the Silver Spitfire team on behalf of the Royal Air Force.

The expedition will reunite the Spitfire with the many countries that owe their freedom, at least in part, to this iconic aircraft.The unmistakable sight and sound of this aircraft once again gracing the skies aims to inspire future generations more than eighty years after R.J. Mitchell’s timeless design first graced the skies.

Advertisement
ODU RT

In the great tradition of exploration, we seek to challenge ourselves by setting out to complete a trip that has never been attempted. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this iconic single-engined aircraft we hope to climb “a pilot’s Everest”.

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
Aviation operational gains offset by industry growth

Aerospace

Aviation operational gains offset by industry growth

18 May 2026

Analysis from aviation intelligence company IBA, has found that global aviation carbon intensity improved from 860 gCO₂ per revenue tonne-kilometre (RTK) in 2018 to 690 gCO₂/RTK by September 2025 - an efficiency improvement of 20% - but that flight activity growth is offsetting those operational gains.

Egis appoints Shakir Khaja to drive UK and Ireland airport growth

Aerospace

Egis appoints Shakir Khaja to drive UK and Ireland airport growth

18 May 2026

Architecture, engineering and consulting firm Egis has appointed Shakir Khaja as Aviation Sector Director for Europe and Africa, to oversee the firm’s expansion across the airport sector, with a strategic focus on the UK, Ireland and wider European market.

Stansted celebrates UK Airports Health & Safety Week

Aerospace Events

Stansted celebrates UK Airports Health & Safety Week

15 May 2026

Teams from right across London Stansted have come together this week to mark UK Airports Health & Safety Week 2026, with a wide ranging programme of events focused on keeping people safe at work and supporting health and wellbeing.

West of England residents back Bristol Airport expansion

Aerospace

West of England residents back Bristol Airport expansion

15 May 2026

A YouGov poll of people in the West of England has found that twice as many support the expansion of Bristol Airport’s capacity than oppose.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Iridium to acquire Aireon

Aerospace Space

Iridium to acquire Aireon

15 May 2026

Iridium Communications Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aireon LLC, operator of the world's only space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) air traffic surveillance system, with the transaction unifying the world's only space-based air traffic surveillance system with the satellite network it was ...

CAA publishes consultation on shortlist of Heathrow regulatory models for expansion

Aerospace

CAA publishes consultation on shortlist of Heathrow regulatory models for expansion

15 May 2026

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today launched a consultation on a shortlist of regulatory models that could apply to capacity expansion at Heathrow Airport.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner