The legendary Iron Maiden tour plane is no more. The heavy metal icons and their striking Boeing 747-400, Ed Force 1, dominated the skies during 2016 and 2017. The plane was named after Iron Maiden’s menacing mascot, Eddie the Head, a recurring figure in the band’s artwork.
Originally taking its first flight in 2003 and retiring in 2022, the 747 that became Ed Force 1 has now reached the end of its journey. However, its legacy lives on as a unique rock ‘n’ roll aviation keepsake, thanks to Aviationtag.
During the dismantling process of Ed Force 1, Cologne-based Aviationtag transformed the aircraft’s outer skin into a limited collection of 12,000 aviation ‘luggage tags.’ Aviationtag has previously crafted similar memorabilia from civilian, military, and commercial aircraft, including an El Al 747 and the inaugural Emirates Airbus A380.
Now, both aviation and rock enthusiasts have the opportunity to own a special piece of the beloved aircraft. Aviationtag’s exclusive Iron Maiden Edition: Ed Force One luggage tag is designed to honor the plane’s storied history as the band’s renowned “flying tour bus.”
The aircraft played a key role in transporting the band across the globe for their Book of Souls tour. Over two million Iron Maiden fans in 36 countries attended the tour, which included the band’s first-ever performances in El Salvador, Lithuania, and China. Ed Force One faithfully carried the band across six continents, towering over standard planes on runways worldwide.
In Zurich, for instance, the aircraft’s massive presence was undeniable. It was parked near jets belonging to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President François Hollande, which looked almost miniature by comparison.
The only time Ed Force One was outshined was when it was positioned beside the one-of-a-kind Antonov A225—the world’s largest aircraft until it was destroyed during the Russia-Ukraine war.
The flamboyant Ed Force One never failed to capture attention. Its imposing stature and rock ‘n’ roll charm solidified its place in global aviation history.
Aviationtag notes that Ed Force One was far more than just a means of transportation. It became a flying symbol of Iron Maiden’s worldwide touring legacy. The Boeing 747-400, registered as TF-AAK, was essential in carrying the band, its crew, and an extensive array of stage equipment throughout their massive 2016 Book of Souls world tour.
Iron Maiden Tour Plane (Photo: Shutterstock)Iron Maiden’s legendary frontman and licensed commercial pilot, Bruce Dickinson, was more than just the voice of the band—he personally piloted Ed Force One on multiple occasions during the tour.
“She always behaved like the Queen of the Skies that the 747 will always be. There will never be another to occupy her throne,” Dickinson said. “The power, the noise of those four engines, the featherlight touchdowns (not my fault – blame good design) and her airborne elegance put the 747 in a unique category.”
Although Ed Force One has been retired, Iron Maiden is far from finished. The band is gearing up for their Run For Your Lives World Tour this spring.
The Aviationtag x Iron Maiden Edition is crafted from repurposed material from Boeing 747 TF-AAK, which was scrapped in 2024. The tag’s front proudly displays the legendary Ed Force One logo, while the back features an unmistakable image of Eddie, Iron Maiden’s iconic mascot.
This exclusive design pays tribute to the aircraft’s remarkable past while bridging the worlds of aviation heritage and rock ‘n’ roll culture. It can be used as a keychain, a distinctive baggage tag, or simply as a collectible.
Each Ed Force One Aviationtag comes with an illustrated booklet featuring a detailed interview with Iron Maiden’s singer and pilot, Bruce Dickinson.
The Iron Maiden Ed Force One Aviationtag is priced at 66.66€, a direct nod to the band’s legendary song 666 – Number of the Beast. This price translates to roughly $70 USD, depending on currency exchange rates. Fans can purchase the tags through Aviationtag’s dedicated Iron Maiden website.
For those eager to get their hands on one, Aviationtag promises quick delivery—by shipping with DHL Express, Iron Maiden fans in the U.S. can expect their collectible luggage tag to arrive in under a week.
Tobias Richter, Chief Commercial Officer at Aviationtag, expressed his excitement for the project, stating:
“We have been working on this project for over two years, and we’re proud to finally present our Aviationtag x Iron Maiden Edition.”
“With this exclusive Aviationtag edition, fans can now hold a tangible piece of aviation and rock history in their hands. Ed Force One is one of the most famous aircraft in the world, and this edition captures its enduring legacy in a truly collectible form.”
