Following the jumbo’s retirement last year, the flag carrier is now offering limited edition luggage
British Airways has teamed up with luxury travel brand Globe-Trotter to create a limited range of handmade carry-on suitcases to mark the retirement of the Boeing 747 from the carrier’s fleet last year.
Taking inspiration from the firm’s iconic BOAC livery, which also adorned the final British Aircraft to retire in December 2020, the BOAC Speedbird suitcases have been handmade in England and incorporate the ‘Gold Speedbird’ insignia and a fragment from a retired BA jumbo.
The luggage is being offered in a limited production run of just 150 units which are available to order from today (Jan 13). To launch the project and to raise money for its charity – Flying Start – British Airways is auctioning two of the suitcases.
The pair were the only passengers on the flag carrier’s final 747 flight on December 11, 2020, which saw the airline’s heritage-liveried BOAC jumbo fly the short distance from British Airways’ engineering base at Cardiff Airport to its new permanent home in St Athan, South Wales. They have also been signed by the flight’s captain, Richard Allen-Williams, British Airways’ chief training pilot.
Hamish McVey, British Airways’ head of brands and marketing, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Globe-Trotter to create this very special product, and through this unique auction raise money for vital Comic Relief projects across the UK and overseas.
“While it was the right time to bid farewell to our Queen of the Skies, the launch of these BOAC-inspired carry-on suitcases provides a perfect opportunity for someone to celebrate a bygone era of global air travel and own a piece of our history.”
The suitcases are constructed from high gloss vulcanised fibreboard with a metallic sheen for a pearlescent white shimmer, which is complemented by navy leather trim on the corners and handles. The hand painted ‘Gold Speedbird’ insignia adorns the exterior, while the 747 fragment decorates the interior.
The suitcase sale comes after the airline offered a selection of its tableware and cabin items for sale in November last year. These items quickly sold out and its expected that the luggage could do the same.
Priced at £1935, the suitcases are certainly a premium offering. More details can be found on Globe-Trotter’s website.
