The fighter aircraft Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXe, purchased from Australia by Seznam.cz owner Ivo Lukačovič, landed for the first time at Točná Airport in Prague on 7 October 2026 in the afternoon. According to the airport, on its way to the Czech Republic the aircraft symbolically flew over Ruzyně Airport, and the date of arrival was not announced in advance so that the organizers could prepare undisturbed.[1][2]
The Aircraft and Its Purchase
The aircraft, designated JT-10 by the airport, appeared on a foreign classifieds portal listed as being in Australia. The advertised price was £2.95 million excluding VAT, i.e. more than 80 million Czech crowns; Lukačovič announced the purchase on the social network Lidé.cz without disclosing the final price.[1][2] According to him, the aircraft, with production number 633, was assigned to No. 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF, is painted in Czech colours, and could be rearmed in case of a threat. He justified the purchase by citing the deteriorating security situation in the world.[1][2]
A representative of the Classic Trainers association, which runs an aviation museum in Líně near Plzeň, described the aircraft as historically valuable. According to him, it is the aircraft on which pilot Karel Pošta flew from England to liberated Czechoslovakia and later flew with the 4th Air Regiment.[1][2] Spitfires were delivered to Czechoslovakia after the Second World War, and most of them were sold to the nascent state of Israel in 1948.[1][2]
Planned Unveiling
The airport plans a ceremonial unveiling of the aircraft on 19 October 2026 at 3:00 p.m. In addition to the Spitfire, visitors will also be able to see a Hawker Hurricane, and if conditions allow, both aircraft are to perform a flying display as well.[1][2]
Ceremonial Unveiling on 19 October 2026
The Spitfire was ceremonially presented to the public on 19 October 2026 at Točná Airport in Prague. The programme began at 3:00 p.m. with a roughly quarter-hour flypast, during which a Hawker Hurricane joined it in the air. After a performance by the Central Band of the Czech Army, speeches were given by representatives of the airport, Czech RAF veterans, and British Ambassador Matt Field, who welcomed the aircraft with the words, “Welcome home, Spitfire!” After landing, both aircraft stood in front of the hangar and were inspected by hundreds of visitors.[3][4]
Later in the afternoon, President [[Petr_Pavel|Petr Pavel]] came to see the aircraft, describing the Spitfire's return as an expression of respect for the airmen and praising the more than 80-year-old machine. Josef Vochyán, a representative of Czech RAF veterans, recalled that about 2,500 Czechoslovaks served in the ranks of the RAF. Airport representative Michal Masař described the aircraft's return as a tribute to Czechoslovak pilots.[3][4]
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXe with serial number SL633 was manufactured in 1945 and served with No. 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF. After the war it was incorporated into the Czechoslovak Air Force under the designation JT-10, and Karel Pošta flew it at air shows. According to Novinky.cz, it was given to Israel in 1948, later ended up in Burma, and eventually entered a private collection; it was acquired from Australia by the Točná Aviation Museum for its permanent collection. Novinky.cz names Seznam.cz owner Ivo Lukačovič as the buyer. In 2026, Točná Airport is marking the 80th anniversary of its founding.[3][4]
Chronology
- — A historic Spitfire aircraft of Czechoslovak airmen returned to the Czech Republic and was on display on 19 October 2026 at Točná airfield in Prague. ČTK / České noviny Novinky.cz
- — A Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXe fighter aircraft, which flew in from Australia and was bought by the owner of the company Seznam.cz, landed at Točná Airport in Prague for the first time; the airport plans a formal presentation of it for 19 October 2026. Plzeňská Drbna Pražská Drbna
Sources
- Plzeňská Drbna — 8 October 2026
- Pražská Drbna — 8 October 2026
- ČTK / České noviny — 19 October 2026
- Novinky.cz — 19 October 2026