Jet Assist and Spitfires.com Bring Iconic Spitfire Flight Experiences to Northern Ireland for the First Time
A landmark collaboration between Jet Assist and Spitfires.com will see authentic Spitfire flight experiences introduced to Northern Ireland for the very first time, combining one of aviation’s most iconic aircraft with a region deeply connected to Britain’s wartime aviation heritage. On 17 November 2026, Spitfires.com will commence its first experience flights in Northern Ireland, operating from Belfast International Airport.
The date of this announcement carries particular significance, marking the annual commemoration of victory in the Battle of Britain, with 2026 marking the 86th anniversary.
The launch will create a remarkable new opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to experience one of the world’s most iconic aircraft in a region with a deep and enduring connection to the Spitfire and Britain’s wartime aviation history.
Through the new collaboration with Jet Assist and Belfast International Airport, guests will have the opportunity to take to the skies alongside highly experienced pilots, experiencing the unmistakable sound, performance and heritage of the legendary Spitfire against the spectacular backdrop of Northern Ireland.
Departing from Belfast International Airport, the exclusive flight experiences will offer breathtaking views across Northern Ireland’s rolling countryside and dramatic coastline. Longer tours will take in some of the region’s most spectacular scenery, including the Antrim coast and the Giant’s Causeway.
Then comes the unforgettable moment — taking to the skies in a genuine WWII Spitfire, expertly piloted by an experienced pilot.
A Historic Date for a Historic Aircraft
The decision to announce the first Northern Ireland experience flights on 15 September adds further significance to the occasion.
Known as Battle of Britain Day, 15 September is commemorated as the day on which victory in the Battle of Britain is remembered. In 2026, the anniversary will mark 86 years since the pivotal events of 15 September 1940, when the Royal Air Force inflicted significant losses on the Luftwaffe during what became one of the most important battles of the Second World War.
The Spitfire became one of the defining symbols of that extraordinary period in British aviation history. Its introduction to Northern Ireland’s skies on this historic anniversary provides a fitting connection between the aircraft’s wartime legacy and a region with its own remarkable Spitfire heritage.
A Homecoming for an Icon of Wartime Aviation
The introduction of Spitfire experiences to Belfast carries particular historical significance.
Belfast International Airport, formerly known as Aldergrove Airport, has a long and distinguished military aviation history. First established in 1917, when it was selected as a Royal Flying Corps training establishment during the First World War, the airfield remained active for RAF operations following the war and went on to play an important role during the Second World War through its connections with RAF Coastal Command.
Northern Ireland and Belfast also share a deep connection with the Supermarine Spitfire.
During the Second World War, airfields across Northern Ireland played an important role in defending the region. RAF Ballyhalbert, on the Ards Peninsula, was among the stations from which Spitfires operated to provide protection against Luftwaffe attacks.
Perhaps most remarkably, the people of Northern Ireland played a direct role in supporting the Spitfire programme. During 1940 and 1941, public donations across Northern Ireland raised more than £88,000 — enough to fund seventeen Mark IIa Spitfires.
The extraordinary fundraising effort represented a remarkable civilian mobilisation and demonstrated the deep public connection to wartime aviation across the region.
One of those aircraft, P7823 “Down,” was the only Belfast Telegraph-funded Spitfire to be based in Northern Ireland. The aircraft flew from RAF Ballyhalbert with No. 504 Squadron between August 1941 and January 1942, representing Northern Ireland’s contribution to the RAF’s defence efforts and becoming a powerful symbol of the region’s connection to the Spitfire and Britain’s wartime aviation history.
More than eight decades later, the return of Spitfires to Northern Ireland’s skies through this new collaboration creates a unique opportunity to reconnect with that remarkable heritage.
The military connection also remains part of the airfield’s identity today, with a continuing military presence at Aldergrove through Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station Aldergrove.
An Unforgettable Experience, From Ground to Sky
The collaboration brings together Jet Assist’s expertise in premium private aviation services and Spitfires.com’s renowned experience in creating extraordinary opportunities to experience the thrill and heritage of flying in these legendary aircraft.
Guests will begin their experience at Belfast International Airport, where Jet Assist will provide a premium private aviation setting designed to make the occasion as memorable on the ground as it is in the air.
From arrival through to departure, visitors will enjoy the atmosphere and service of a private aviation experience before taking to the skies for a truly unforgettable journey.
For aviation enthusiasts, history lovers and those seeking an experience unlike any other, the opportunity to fly in a Spitfire over Northern Ireland offers a powerful combination of adventure, heritage and spectacular scenery.
The Spitfire remains one of the most recognisable and celebrated aircraft in aviation history. Its unmistakable silhouette and distinctive Merlin engine have captured imaginations for generations.
Now, against a backdrop of a region with its own remarkable connection to the aircraft, that experience will be available in Northern Ireland for the very first time.
Keith McKay, Business Development Manager of Jet Assist said:
“We are incredibly excited to be working with Spitfires.com to bring these extraordinary flight experiences to Northern Ireland for the first time. Launching on 15 September, a date so closely associated with the Battle of Britain and the Spitfire’s remarkable wartime legacy, makes the occasion even more special.
“This is about much more than introducing an iconic aircraft to our skies — Northern Ireland has a genuine and important connection with the Spitfire and its wartime history. From the seventeen aircraft funded through public donations across Northern Ireland to Spitfires operating from RAF Ballyhalbert, there is a remarkable story here that many people may not know.
“To now be able to offer people the opportunity to experience flying in a Spitfire from an airfield with such a long aviation history makes this collaboration particularly significant. We look forward to welcoming aviation enthusiasts, history lovers and visitors from across Northern Ireland, the UK and beyond for what promises to be a genuinely unforgettable experience.”
Matt Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Spitfires.com said:
“We are delighted to be introducing our Spitfire experiences to Northern Ireland in collaboration with Jet Assist. Commencing our first flights on the 86th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day creates a particularly meaningful moment for us and for everyone who shares a passion for this extraordinary aircraft and its history.
“Northern Ireland has an incredibly rich aviation heritage and a fascinating connection with the Spitfire, which makes Belfast International Airport a particularly special location from which to launch these experiences.
“From the rolling countryside to the dramatic coastline, passengers will have the opportunity to experience some truly spectacular scenery from one of the most iconic aircraft ever built. For anyone with a passion for aviation, history or simply extraordinary experiences, flying in a Spitfire is something they will never forget.”
The introduction of these experiences is expected to create a unique new attraction for Northern Ireland, bringing together aviation heritage, tourism and one of the world’s most celebrated aircraft.
Further details on flight dates, tour options and booking information will be announced soon.
Ready for take-off?
Discover the Spitfire experience and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Northern Ireland’s skies.
