SPITFIRE FLIGHT EXPERIENCES AT LEEDS EAST AIRPORT, YORKSHIRE
experience the ultimate spitfire adventure at LEEDS EAST.
whY CHOOSE LEEDS EAST FOR YOUR SPITFIRE FLIGHT?
Take off from Leeds East Airport and soar through the skies in an authentic Supermarine Spitfire. Experience the thrill of a lifetime as you glide over Yorkshire’s breathtaking landscapes, making history come alive with every turn. Take to the skies from a historic WWII fighter station, where the spirit of aviation history lives on. Flying from Leeds offers a rare opportunity to connect with the past while enjoying the thrill of a genuine Spitfire flight. As you soar above Yorkshire’s rolling countryside, you'll be treated to breathtaking views that showcase the natural beauty of the region. The airfield's convenient location near Leeds, York, and the wider Yorkshire area makes it easily accessible for visitors across the North. With a premium private airport experience and top-tier facilities, every detail of your visit is designed for comfort and authenticity. Your flight will be expertly piloted in an original WWII Spitfire, delivering a powerful and unforgettable adventure through the skies of Yorkshire and neighbouring counties.
ABOUT & HISTORY
RAF Church Fenton (Leeds East) was opened on 1st April 1937, it was part of the RAF’s massive pre-war expansion program, in response to Hitler’s move to increase the strength of the German armed forces. Initially designed as a fighter base from the outset, with the task of protecting the industrial regions of Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and Humberside. During this period, the airfield was home to many squadrons and aircraft types, such as Spitfires, Hurricanes, Mosquitoes, Blenheims, Beaufighters, Typhoons and Mustangs. As with all of the RAF, inevitably a number of Church Fenton aircrew paid the ultimate price in the defence of Britain. From the start of the war, until August 1940, Church Fenton was a sector station in 13 Group, seeing many battle-scarred fighter squadrons passing through as well as resting before working up to operational status. It was to later become a night-fighter Operational Training Unit with 54 OTU forming at Church Fenton. Between May 1942 and the end of the war, squadrons were employed on offensive sorties on targets in northern Europe, but also carrying out defensive sorties aiming to stop local cities being bombed by German intruders with the DH Mosquito night fighter. Post World War 2 it remained an RAF station seeing squadrons of Meteors through to the Hawker Hunter in residence. The very last Spitfire operator was 609 Squadron in 1950 who arrived with their Spitfire XVI. Getting airborne from Leeds East,
your close to the historic city of York and can soon see out towards the Humber Estuary. The East coast and route through to the industrial towns in the Midlands and Yorkshire were regular targets of the Luftwaffe as well as the airfields in Lincolnshire. RAF Church Fenton was well placed to offer some defence against marauding bombers heading in from Norway and later night fighters lingering around the bomber airfields. Getting airborne in one of our Spitfires from Church Fenton, you can head out towards the historic port of Grimsby and scenic East Coast, a route regularly patrolled by the RAF during WW2. Or head up towards the impressive Yorkshire moors. South, you can head into Derbyshire and Ladybower reservoir, which is also another landmark that is worth a visit, the site of many practice runs by the legendary 617 squadron in their Lancasters, preparing for the Dambusters raid.
BOOK YOUR SPITFIRE FLIGHTS AT LEEDS EAST
Choose from a range of thrilling Spitfire flight experiences over Yorkshire’s most stunning landscapes. This is your chance to take to the skies in a legendary Supermarine Spitfire. Whether you’re fulfilling a lifelong dream or gifting someone special, a Spitfire flight from Leeds is an unforgettable experience.
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