The Spitfire will return to the show, marking the 90th anniversary of the model’s first flight.
It will be displayed at the show by its owner, experienced Spitfire pilot John Romain, who said he was thrilled to be returning.
The plane will also be joined by New Zealand’s only airworthy Spitfire, the Mk IX, owned by Brendon Deere, based at Ohakea.
"The last time I flew at the Wanaka airshow was in 2018 when I brought over my Buchon ME-109 and I had such a good time I have always wanted to return."
The aircraft is one of only two Mk XI Spitfires still flying in the world and played a unique role in the UK’s Covid response.
In 2020 the aircraft had undergone some maintenance work and required a test flight.
It was during the pandemic and Mr Romain flew over local villages in an effort to raise morale.
Following positive feedback and with the words "THANK U NHS" painted on the underside of the wings, he flew the aircraft over more than 250 UK hospitals, raising £130,000 ($NZ299,490) for NHS Charities Together.
Warbirds Over Wanaka general manager Ed Taylor said it was always a huge undertaking shipping 90-year-old aircraft around the world but it was made a lot less stressful with the help of partners like Mainfreight. — Allied Media
