Shuttleworth Premier AirShow 2025 –
Wind, Warbirds and a Worthy Opening Act
The Shuttleworth Collection kicked off its 2025 airshow season in fine style with the Premier Show at Old Warden, set against a backdrop of stunning skies and blustery winds that would shape much of the flying throughout the day. While the conditions were far from ideal, they added an extra layer of challenge—and spectacle—to a show that placed a noticeably stronger emphasis on visiting aircraft this season. As a result, the crowd was treated to an impressive mix of new arrivals and returning favourites making their Premier Show debuts.
A Navy Veteran Arrives
Among the headline arrivals was the Commemorative Air Force’s Douglas R4D-6S “Ready 4 Duty”, fresh from the opening stages of its “Navy to Victory” tour. With planned appearances across the UK, France and the Netherlands, the aircraft was parked prominently in front of the shop and proved a major draw throughout the morning. Open for cockpit tours and merchandise sales, the R4D-6S remained a static exhibit for the Premier Show, but with flying displays scheduled for the next two Shuttleworth events, this was very much a tantalising introduction.
A Poignant Opening Flypast
Opening the flying display was a deeply meaningful return of the BBMF Merlin-engined fighters following the tragic loss of Squadron Leader Mark Long on 25 May 2024. Appropriately, the honour fell to Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI TE311, which carried a touching tribute to Mark Long on its starboard side.
TE311 is the aircraft most closely associated with Mark during his time with the BBMF, and it now wears the code letters L-NG on the starboard side—reading as LONG when split by the roundel. Beneath the windscreen quarterlight sits the inscription SQN LDR MARK LONG, accompanied by a Squadron Leader’s pennant. The port side retains the aircraft’s Dutch 322 Squadron markings, complete with ‘3W-M’ codes, the orange inverted triangle, and the distinctive Polly Grey parrot nose art.
Flown by Flight Lieutenant Andy Preece MBE, the Spitfire delivered three superb passes that set both the tone and the emotion for the day’s flying.
Wind Dictates the Programme
The shifting winds soon began to influence proceedings, with multiple runways pressed into service as conditions constantly changed. A lively barnstorming sequence followed, featuring the Blackburn B2, de Havilland Chipmunk, Miles Magister, and Southern Martlet. The de Havilland Comet put in a particularly strong showing, its display extended to cover for the First World War acts, many of which were unfortunately grounded due to wind limits.
Following a solo display from the Collection’s Percival Provost, attention turned to one of the standout visiting aircraft: the Historic Aircraft Collection’s Airco DH9, flown by Clive Denney from Duxford. Pairing up with Shuttleworth’s Bristol F2b Fighter, the formation brought together two First World War types, including the only original WWI bomber still flying. While the display remained higher than many would have liked—likely a concession to the gusty conditions—it was still a rare and special sight, even if the aircraft were visibly being worked hard by the turbulent air.
Warbirds Take Centre Stage
The Warbirds segment saw the Collection’s Gloster Gladiator I and Supermarine Spitfire Vc AR501 fly together before splitting for individual routines. AR501’s display was a notable step up from previous outings, with a sequence of excellent topside passes that drew well-earned applause from the crowdline.
Operating from Northwind’s Duxford base was another welcome return: North American P-51D Mustang “Marinell” (44-13521), now flown by Isabelle Rutland. A relatively rare sight on the UK airshow circuit in recent years, the Mustang initially kept its height before Isabelle progressively brought the display lower, closing with a series of superb topside passes that fully showcased the aircraft’s classic lines.
Special Ops and Secret Missions
The Special Operations segment highlighted both the versatility of Old Warden’s grass runways and the unique stories behind the aircraft. The Collection’s Polikarpov Po-2 made use of the shorter cross runways, while a particularly evocative pairing followed under the Spies theme.
Flying together were the Westland Lysander and Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd’s Lockheed 12A Electra Junior. The Lysander’s wartime role with the SOE is well known, but the Lockheed’s story is no less fascinating. Operated in late-1930s Germany by Sir Sidney Cotton, G-AFTL was disguised as an aerial survey aircraft while secretly photographing German military installations. For these clandestine missions, the aircraft was fitted with three F24 cameras mounted behind a hatch in the lower fuselage, triggered by a switch beneath the pilot’s seat.
A Fitting Finale
With the strengthening winds ruling out any Edwardian flying, the show closed slightly earlier than planned—but not without a finale worthy of the occasion. The first public display of Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX LZ842, flown by owner Mark Bennet, brought the day to a memorable close.
Built in 1943 for tropical operations, LZ842 features a pilot water tank and is the only airworthy Spitfire powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin 63. Restored to an exceptionally authentic standard at Biggin Hill in 2022, the aircraft was displayed beautifully in front of a packed crowdline and proved a superb way to round off the flying programme.
One Last Treat
As the crowd began to disperse, there was one final bonus: the departure of Ready 4 Duty back to Duxford. Departing from Runway 02 and crossing the airfield, the Dakota gave spectators a preview of what to expect when it returns to display at the next two Shuttleworth shows.
Final verdict: a strong and confident opening to the 2025 season, blending a diverse mix of visiting and Collection aircraft and delivered with trademark Shuttleworth flair—despite some challenging conditions. As ever, Old Warden didn’t disappoint.
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