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Visit websiteThe first flight from this airfield took place in 1910. By 1914 it had developed to the extent that a flying display attracted an audience of 10,000 people.
During World War I the site was requisitioned, but in 1918 it became a civil airport with approval to serve both internal and international flights. In 1932 it was taken over by Southampton Corporation, and in 1936 the momentous first flight of the Spitfire prototype took place. This aircraft was built locally at Woolston.
During World War II it was a naval air station, HMS Raven. After the war it returned to civilian occupation as a municipal airport, until purchase by J.N.Somer. In 1984 a subsidiary of BAA took over management, and in 1990 BAA purchased the whole airport.
By Rail: Direct to Southampton Airport.
By Road: close to M27/ A335 intersection.
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