Aviation enthusiasts and families are being invited to watch Spitfires and a P-51 Mustang operate from Cornwall Airport Newquay, with a dedicated public viewing area opened for the duration of the flying programme.
Flying school Flynqy has partnered with FlyaSpitfire.com to offer passenger flights aboard the historic aircraft, giving people in Cornwall the opportunity to experience some of the most recognisable fighters of the Second World War.
The airport said it expected the aircraft to attract considerable interest from aviation enthusiasts, photographers and local families, prompting it to establish a purpose-built viewing area on site.
The facility provides a safe location from which visitors can watch the aircraft on their stands, hear their engines start and see them taxi before departure. It is also intended to prevent vehicles from stopping on perimeter roads or obstructing emergency access routes.
The viewing area is open daily from 09:00 until 17:00 and includes a raised platform overlooking the aircraft. Free morning and afternoon sessions must be booked in advance, while parking is available in the P3 St Mawgan House Car Park at the airport’s usual rates.
Duncan Healey from Cornwall Airport Newquay said: “It’s a pleasure and an honour for Cornwall Airport Newquay to host these wonderful vintage aircraft with Flynqy and FlyaSpitfire.com.
“We knew as soon as the aircraft were confirmed that people would want to come and see them, and we wanted to give everyone a safe, welcoming place to do that rather than have cars pulling up on the perimeter road.
“The platform gives a brilliant view of the aircraft on its stand, and you get the sound as well, which is really the whole point of a Spitfire.
“It’s been lovely to see families, enthusiasts and people who have simply seen it on social media all turning up together. The week has been a huge success so far and we’re looking forward to the remainder of the programme. It’s exactly the sort of thing we want to support because we know how important it is for the local community.”
Nicholas Brooks from Flynqy said bringing the experience to Newquay would allow people in Cornwall to fly in one of the world’s most iconic aircraft without having to travel across the country.
He added: “Cornwall Airport Newquay has been a superb partner in making it happen.”
Barry Hughes, a FlyaSpitfire.com pilot, said: “Flying a Spitfire over the Cornish coast is about as good as this job gets.
“What always strikes me is the reaction on the ground. People stop what they’re doing and look up, whatever their age, and that connection to the aircraft hasn’t faded at all.”
The flights are being operated by FlyaSpitfire.com and Flynqy, with all flying subject to suitable weather conditions.
Free sessions at the Cornwall Airport Newquay viewing area can be booked through Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spitfire-viewing-area-cornwall-airport-newquay-tickets-1992555338656
Discover more from UK Aviation News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
