Ed Force One, the Boeing 747-400 that served as the tour plane for the legendary rock band Iron Maiden, has found a new lease on life. This iconic aircraft, which once soared the skies with frontman Bruce Dickinson at the helm, has been transformed into unique collectible tags by Aviationtag. These limited-edition tags offer a piece of history for fans and collectors alike, celebrating the legacy of both the aircraft and the band.
Initially delivered to Air France in 2003 under the registration F-GITH, this Boeing 747-400 later joined Air Atlanta Icelandic in 2015 as TF-AAK. It gained fame as Ed Force One during Iron Maiden's 2016 Book of Souls world tour, where it transported the band across the globe for over 50 shows. Decorated with the image of Eddie, Iron Maiden's zombie-like mascot, on its tail fin, Ed Force One became a symbol of the band's epic journey.
In 2022, Ed Force One was withdrawn from use and subsequently dismantled at Cotswold Airport in the UK in 2024. Aviationtag, a company renowned for upcycling aviation materials, saw an opportunity to preserve the legacy of this iconic plane by crafting a limited run of tags made from its fuselage.
A Piece of Aviation and Musical History
The collectible tags created from Ed Force One's fuselage are sized around 1.5 by 3.5 inches (35 by 88 millimeters) and come in a variety of colors, including an exclusive gold edition. The gold tags are set to be released at a later date. Each tag retails for €66.66 (approximately $73) on Aviationtag's website, a price point that pays homage to Iron Maiden's hit song "The Number of the Beast."
Tobia Richter from Aviationtag highlighted their approach to creating these special editions.
“We want to keep offering our fans and collectors new aircraft from different airlines, rather than making massive editions from just one plane,” said Tobia Richter.
Richter further emphasized the importance of exclusivity in maintaining the uniqueness of each tag.
“That’s why we prefer smaller, exclusive editions from a wider variety of aircraft, ensuring each tag remains truly special.”
From Skies to Collector's Items
Ed Force One's transformation from a touring aircraft to collectible memorabilia is a testament to its enduring appeal. Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden's frontman and licensed pilot who flew the aircraft during the tour, reflected on its exceptional design and performance.
“She always behaved like the Queen of the Skies that the 747 will always be. There will never be another to occupy her throne. The power, the noise of those 4 engines, the featherlight touchdowns (not my fault — blame good design) and her airborne elegance put the 747 in a unique category,” shared Bruce Dickinson.
The production process for these tags is meticulous and time-consuming, taking several weeks to complete. This dedication ensures that each tag not only represents a piece of aviation history but also captures the spirit and legacy of Iron Maiden's extraordinary journey.
A Tribute to Ed Force One
The creation of these tags serves as a fitting tribute to Ed Force One, an aircraft that played a significant role in Iron Maiden's storied career. By offering fans and collectors a tangible connection to this iconic plane, Aviationtag has allowed its legacy to live on beyond its days in the skies.
For Iron Maiden enthusiasts and aviation aficionados alike, owning a tag made from Ed Force One's fuselage provides a unique opportunity to hold a piece of history in their hands. Whether displayed as a cherished collectible or carried as a token of rock and aviation heritage, these tags symbolize the enduring impact of Ed Force One on both music and aviation.
