Spitfires will return to nearby Blackbushe airport later this year – and you have the chance to be in the cockpit.
Peter Monk, managing director of FlyaSpitfire.com, told Wokingham Today: ‘I’m delighted to announce that FlyaSpitfire.com will be commencing CAA approved Spitfire flight operations from Blackbushe Airport from Spring 2024.
“We’ve been successfully operating our fleet of two-seat Spitfires from our engineering and restoration facility at Biggin Hill since 2014, so we have a wealth of experience in maintaining and flying Spitfires.
“Last year we expanded our operation to include Cotswold Airport and this year we’re adding Blackbushe and Norwich Airport to our list of venues.
“We believe Blackbushe Airport provides a convenient location for our guests with easy access from the nearby Motorway and railway links.
“We look forward to seeing Spitfires flying from the ex-RAF station of Hartford Bridge over the green fields of Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and Sussex.
“We are offering flights over the local countryside, as well as extended routes reaching the Needles and Isle of Wight.
“We’ll also be providing our ‘chase plane’ experience to allow friends and family the chance to fly in formation alongside the Spitfire.
“It’s a pleasure to be collaborating with the team at Blackbushe Airport, and we’re sure that our partnership will generate interest and attract visitors from both the UK and overseas”
Blackbushe Airport, near Yateley, was formerly known as RAF Hartford Bridge. It started life in November 1942 and was home to Spitfires, Mustangs and Mosquitos.
The airfield was renamed RAF Blackbushe in 1944 until the RAF left in 1946, and the airfield was reopened as Blackbushe Airport.
Flights start at £2,975 for a ‘30-minute Hampshire Downs flight’, rising to £7,475 for a 75-minute flight and the chance to take the controls.
