Australia’s First Two‑Seat Supermarine Spitfire Takes Flight in Historic Milestone

Australia has marked a significant aviation heritage milestone with the successful flight of the country’s first two‑seat Supermarine Spitfire, expanding opportunities for public engagement with one of the world’s most iconic historic aircraft.

The two‑seat configuration allows passengers to experience flight in the legendary World War II‑era fighter while preserving the aircraft’s historical integrity. Such conversions are rare and require extensive engineering, regulatory approvals, and meticulous restoration work to ensure airworthiness.

The Supermarine Spitfire remains one of the most celebrated aircraft in aviation history, renowned for its role during the Second World War and its distinctive design. The introduction of a two‑seat variant in Australia represents a major step forward for warbird operators seeking to balance preservation with experiential aviation.

Aviation heritage groups say the aircraft’s return to the skies highlights growing interest in historic flight experiences and underscores the importance of maintaining airworthy examples of classic military aircraft. These projects also play a vital role in educating younger generations about aviation history.

The successful flight is expected to boost interest in warbird events and heritage aviation across Australia, reinforcing the country’s position as a key hub for historic aircraft operations.