We are delighted to announce the return of P-51 Mustang flight experiences from Cotswold Airport for the Spring and Summer 2026 season.
The 2026 season will mark the first full operational year for our newly acquired 1944 P-51 Mustang, “Moonbeam McSwine,” following her arrival in the UK from the United States in March 2025.
After five months of careful reassembly and additional engineering work to prepare her for experience flights, Moonbeam McSwine took to the skies for her first successful test flight on 28 July 2025, flown by renowned test pilot Pete Kynsey. Just days later, on 2 August 2025, she completed her first operational flight experiences from Cotswold Airport, marking a major milestone for the aircraft and our team.
Much like the Spitfire, the P-51 Mustang is always a crowd favourite. Finished in her striking 487th Fighter Squadron livery — famously known as the “Blue-Nosed Bastards of Bodney” — Moonbeam McSwine cuts an unmistakable figure on arrival at Cotswold Airport, with her distinctive blue nose and highly polished natural aluminium finish. It is not unusual to see visitors gathered outside the AV8 Café, cameras poised, eager to capture the craftsmanship and presence of this iconic American fighter — an aircraft rarely seen operating from UK airfields.
Moonbeam McSwine P-51 Mustang over the Cotswold countryside
We are pleased to confirm that P-51 Mustang flights will be bookable from April through September 2026, operating on selected days from Cotswold Airport. Powered by the legendary Packard-built Merlin engine, participants will experience the Mustang’s impressive acceleration on take-off, thrilling speed, and dynamic handling over the Cotswold countryside. The flight includes steep turns and the aircraft’s iconic “Victory Roll.” Seated directly behind the pilot in the same cockpit, guests gain a rare insight into what it was like for American and British pilots who flew the Mustang during the 1940s.
Following the flight, friends and family are welcome to take photographs around the Mustang, creating lasting memories of an unforgettable day. Each participant will also receive a souvenir gift pack, including Mustang pilot’s notes, an aircrew patch, sticker, signed flight certificate, and complimentary in-flight video footage.
Mustang returns to Cotswold Airport after the flight of a lifetime
In addition to Cotswold Airport, we also operate P-51 Mustang flight experiences from Biggin Hill and Blackbushe (Thames Valley) Airports.
👉 Book now:
https://flyaspitfire.com/flights/#mustang-flights
📞 Or call our office:
01959 576 767