The famous fighter plane with its rumbling Rolls-Royce Merlin engine will take to the skies for paying customers on May 11 and five dates in June, July, August and September.
Operating since 1986, the Spitfire Company have a fleet of two seat Spitfires that operate from ex WWII airfields across the UK with the Swansea location in Fairwood being one of them.
Starting this month, you can experience the thrill of flying a Merlin-powered two-seat Spitfire over the Gower peninsula. Following a flight planning and safety brief with a pilot at Swansea Airport, passengers will be strapped into the Spitfire ready for an adventure.
The pilot will then handle take off but once you’re straight and level you’ll be given the chance to experience the dual controls of the ‘T9’ Spitfires. The pilot will also demonstrate the famous Spitfire victory roll as part of the experience.
With options to head along the coast you might take in Mumbles, Three Cliffs Bay or perhaps head off to Pembrey with it’s famous racing circuit.
Peter Monk, MD FlyaSpitfire.com and The Spitfire Company, said:
“We’re excited to be partnering with the Swansea Airport Stakeholders Alliance (SASA) to bring Spitfire passenger flights to Swansea Airport this May.
“As the gateway to the Gower and Swansea City this location provides access to the stunning countryside and coastline of south Wales. It is the perfect location to enjoy the flight of a lifetime for both local residents and visitors to the area.
“We currently operate Spitfire flights from our HQ and restoration centre at Biggin Hill plus regular dates from Cotswold Airport to Blackpool Airport. We’ve been approached by members of the public asking if we can bring Spitfires to Wales and the team at Swansea Airport have worked hard to ensure the appropriate conditions are met, ready for our first planned flying dates this month.
“The airfield has strong historical ties with the Royal Air Force, previously operating as RAF Fairwood Common as part of 10 group fighter command during WWII. We’re looking forward to joining the existing general aviation operators based at the airfield.”
Looking forward to the first flight Swansea Airport Stakeholders Alliance chairman Bob Oliver said:
“We are delighted to welcome FlyaSpitfire.com to operate at Swansea Airport throughout the summer. We are in discussions with a number of other companies and hope this will be the first of many exciting aviation opportunities.”
The airport has two flying clubs, a skydive business, a dog-friendly cafe now open seven days a week, plus Thai food available to eat on premises to the public four evenings a week from renowned former St Helens Road establishment Thai Bach.
Mr Oliver said the alliance has acquired a fire engine, fuel bowser, operations truck, two static caravans for staff and pilot use, and grounds maintenance equipment.
The alliance has 150-plus members and operates on a not-for-profit basis. It has two paid part-time operations staff, with a third due to join this year.
Information, date availability and Gift Vouchers for Swansea Airport Spitfire flights can be found at www.flyaspitfire.com
[Lead image: Richard Paver Photography]
