Schaffhausen / Goodwood, 5th August, 2019 - IWC Schaffhausen and the
Boultbee Flight Academy, in collaboration with Aviation Adventures Ltd, have
celebrated the official start of the "Silver Spitfire - The Longest Flight"
expedition in Goodwood. To the roaring applause of more than 400 guests, the
carefully restored and polished Spitfire aircraft embarked on its
unprecedented flight around the world. IWC supports the mission as its main
partner and official timekeeper.
Over the last two years, more than a dozen specialists have worked to restore
an original Spitfire MK IX aircraft, which was originally built in Castle
Bromwich back in 1943. Following several successful test flights in July, the
"Silver Spitfire" finally took off from Goodwood Aerodrome today, beginning
its much-anticipated circumnavigation of the globe. Piloting the iconic
British aircraft, on the first leg of its journey, is Matt Jones, co-founder
of the Boultbee Flight Academy.
"The last few months have been intense, and full of activity. Now we're
thrilled that we can finally begin our great adventure and share the glory of
the Silver Spitfire with the rest of the world. It's a massive undertaking,
and a huge privilege to be involved in such a project. Now it's time to make
history," added Boultbee Brooks, before the departure.
EXCLUSIVE DINNER AND AIR SHOW
On Sunday evening, ahead of the flight, IWC hosted a private dinner with the
two pilots and their crew at Goodwood House. Today, about 400 guests gathered
on the Goodwood Estate for a big farewell party. The funfair atmosphere
included live music, an air show and other attractions. Amongst the guests
were British actress Rosamund Pike and former Formula One™ star David
Coulthard, both IWC brand ambassadors, British actors Taron Egerton and Finn
Cole, as well as TV and radio presenter Dermot O'Leary.
On the flight around the world, the two British pilots will cover more than
43,000 kilometres and visit 30 countries. The route will initially take them
to Iceland, and from there to Canada and the USA. A total of approximately 100
flight segments will be needed to complete the mission from start to finish.
During their journey through the different time zones, Boultbee Brooks and
Jones will wear the Pilot 's Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition "The Longest
Flight" (Ref. IW395501). As the official watch of the expedition, this
timepiece makes it possible to set the time to a different time zone by simply
turning the bezel to the desired location.
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Here are some pictures from the event
too beautiful