Support the SPITFIRE PROJECT
A unique project aiming to restore an authentic Spitfire Mk XIV from the 350th Squadron, helping us preserve a major symbol of Belgian aviation history and honour the Belgian airmen who served during the Second World War.
You can support this restoration through a voluntary contribution offered when purchasing your BAFDAYS tickets.
Founding symbol of Belgian combat aviation, the Spitfire was the first aircraft operated by the Belgian Air Force in 1946. It also embodies the heritage of the Belgian fighter squadrons (350 Sqn, 349 Sqn, 609 Sqn, …) that served within the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. The Spitfire is therefore a powerful identity marker of our Belgian Air Force.
Unlike our neighboring countries, Belgium has never conducted a structured program for the restoration of historic aircraft in close collaboration with its industry and its population. By bringing together industrial partners, aeronautical authorities, restoration experts and enthusiasts, the Spitfire Project will clearly demonstrate Belgium’s exceptional know‑how.
As part of the 80th anniversary of the Air Force and the 85th anniversary of the 350th Fighter Squadron—created in November 1941 and still based in Florennes—we are launching an ambitious Spitfire restoration project. This Spitfire Project aims to restore a Spitfire Mk XIV with an exceptional history for Belgium, as it served within the Belgian 350th Fighter Squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF) between August 1944 and April 1945. Through this 350th Squadron Spitfire, the objective of the restoration is to commemorate and honour the many Belgians who served in the RAF during the Second World War.
This is a major and costly restoration that will naturally require substantial funding. Several sources of financing are being considered, with crowdfunding representing a significant part. In this context, we kindly request your financial support through a small voluntary contribution that will be proposed when purchasing your tickets for the Belgian Air Force Days.
Thank you in advance for supporting this remarkable restoration project for Belgium, thereby helping to duly commemorate the memory of the many Belgians who served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
