Matt Jones

Matt first took to the skies while in the RAF CCF section at Exeter school, where he flew Chipmunks. After studying civil engineering at Newcastle University and working for an investment bank in London, he saw the light and made plans for a career in aviation. 

He first found work flying business jets, where he ultimately managed aircraft for private clients, flying both private jets and helicopters.

Matt’s passion for historic aircraft meant he always wanted to fly the ultimate fighter, the iconic Spitfire. So when the opportunity presented itself, he grabbed it, setting up Spitfires.com with Steve Brooks, a record-setting explorer and helicopter pilot.

Highlights of the Academy conceived of and led by Matt include:

• The first worldwide approval to fly passengers in two-seat Spitfires
• The Spitfire Scholarship with Prince Harry, to teach injured ex-servicemen to learn the fly the Spitfire
• A flypast including 35 Spitfires and Hurricanes for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain
• The audacious idea to fly around the world in the Silver Spitfire, reaching 24 countries across 4 months, promoting the aircraft’s history and the UK in general in those places, and earning a world record in the process!