Iconic Spitfire completes final flight celebrating 90th anniversary from Exeter to Southampton

Flying High: Above the south coast on the final flight (Image:RAF / SWNS)Iconic Spitfire completes final flight celebrating 90th anniversary from Exeter to SouthamptonAstronaut Tim Peake watched on during the final flight from a WWII-era C-47 Dakota as the nine flight commemoration raises over £100k for RAF charitiesByJohnny GoldsmithPicture Editor10:34, 20 Apr 2026|commentsTim Peake watches on as iconic Spitfire completes final flight celebrating it’s 90th anniversary. The Brit astronaut was on hand as the commemorative Spitfire90 tour took to the skies for the final time. The former Army Air Corps officer had a front-row seat to history, watching from a WWII-era C-47 Dakota as the legendary fighter soared from Exeter to Southampton on Friday. Our gallery gets up close to the final flight of the nine-day marathon was more than just a flypast. It was a stirring tribute to the Spitfire’s pivotal role in saving the nation and a celebration of the RAF's glorious history. It has raised over £100k for RAF charities, supporting the welfare of our personnel, veterans and their families, while also providing aviation opportunities for disabled individuals.1 of 6Over the skies as it flew from Exeter to Southampton (Image:RAF / SWNS)2 of 6Glorious! The plane painted in the original colours of the prototype K5054 (Image:RAF / SWNS)3 of 6This was final flight that marked the 90th anniversary of the iconic aircraft (Image:RAF / SWNS)4 of 6Peering out: Tim Peake looks on as Spitfire passes the C-47 Dakota WWII-era transport plane is onboard (Image:RAF / SWNS)5 of 6Peake peers out from the C-47 Dakota during the flight (Image:RAF / SWNS)6 of 6On the ground: Tim Peake was on hand as the commemorative flights took to the skies for the last time (Image:RAF / SWNS)FollowMirrorFacebookX (Twitter)Comment MORE ONPlanes