Ready for Take-Off: Exceptional Aircraft Revealed for the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation

• 90 years of the Spitfire, 80 years of the Chipmunk, 55 years of the Goodwood Air Display
• Rare icons including the Miles Gemini and English Electric Lightning take centre stage
• A world-class judging panel celebrates aviation excellence
• Tickets available at Goodwood.com

The Freddie March Spirit of Aviation presented by Bonhams|Cars will once again bring together some of the world's most significant and beautifully preserved historic aircraft for its unique Concours d'Elegance celebrating the golden age of aviation. Dedicated exclusively to aircraft built before 1966, this year's display shines a spotlight on three major milestones: the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire, the 80th anniversary of the de Havilland Chipmunk, and 55 years since the first Goodwood Air Display, which featured the legendary Spitfire MH434.

Among this year's highlights are two Spitfire Mk IXs and a pair of de Havilland Chipmunks - the 1951 WD390 and 1953 WZ884 - joined by important military trainers including the Tiger Moth G-AH1Z and Miles Magister G-AHUJ, both types that helped prepare generations of RAF and Commonwealth pilots for service.

The concours will also feature an exceptional collection of civilian aircraft from aviation's golden age, including Beech Staggerwings, a 1930 de Havilland Gipsy Moth, Miles Whitney Straight, Cessna 195B Businessliner, Cessna 170A, Pilatus P2 and P3, and a Dragon Rapide. Also on display will be the rare Miles Gemini G-AKKB, one of only two airworthy examples in the world and the first aircraft to land at Goodwood following the aerodrome's reopening in 1958.

Representing the pursuit of speed and innovation are the Cosmic Wind, Cassutt Racer and 1934 Caudron Rafale, while military aviation enthusiasts can look forward to seeing the P-51 Mustang "Little Rebel".

This year's entries will be assessed by an expert panel of judges drawn from across the worlds of aviation, engineering, preservation and media. The panel includes aviation historian and author Bruce Crompton; Former RAF fast jet pilot Mandy Hickson; Matthew Wilkins, Chairman of the British Air Display Association; Amelia Richardson – the UK's youngest gliding instructor and aerobatics pilot. Former member of the Elevate(Her) initiative. Aerobatic pilot and Operator of Solent Airport; Squadron Leader Alan Jones will also be joining this year’s judging panel, as well as Director of Solent Sky Museum and a long-standing Freddie March Spirit of Aviation judge. Aviation presenter and content creator Juliet Sierra, whose coverage of historic aircraft and warbirds has inspired a new generation of aviation enthusiasts will also be joining the panel this year alongside Jeremy Warren, former Freddie March Spirit of Aviation Content Planner and current Head Judge, brings a wealth of aviation expertise. Together, the judges bring a wealth of experience spanning aircraft restoration, flying, heritage conservation and aviation storytelling.

This year's entries present a remarkable cross-section of aviation history, celebrating the aircraft, anniversaries and pioneering stories that continue to inspire generations of enthusiasts and aviators alike.

-ENDS-