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Retired Aircraft Cuts

British Airways - Boeing 747-400 Retrojet G-BYGC

British Airways - Boeing 747-400 Retrojet G-BYGC

Regular price $42.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $42.95 USD
Sale Sold out
Model (HUD)
Back Card

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Note

Acrylic cardboard is available for FREE for the first day of sale. Acrylic cardboard will be available for extra $3 by selecting the "Back Card" option.

Engraving effects for the following sku may vary from official photos due to the difference of the of paint layers' thickness:

1. BOAC gold; 2. BOAC blue; 3. BOAC blue/gold

Tags with different engraving effect will be shipped randomly.

Description

Handcrafted original aircraft skin from a BRITISH AIRWAYS BOEING B747-400.

 

British Airways (BA) is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom as well as one of the UK's most visible brands today. As the airline with one of the longest history in the world, British Airways can trace its origins back to the birth of civil aviation, the pioneering days following World War I.

On 25 August 1919, Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited, a forerunner company of today's British Airways, launched the world's first daily international scheduled air service between London and Paris. The company was purchased in 1922, forming Daimler Airway and later merged into Imperial Airways in 1924. With another merger of Imperial Airways and the pre-war British Airways Ltd, the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) started its new chapter in 1939. 

As the first airline to introduce a passenger jet into airline service, BOAC played an important role in aviation history. The BOAC speedbird logo inherited from Imperial Airways also became one of the most iconic symbols for the jet age. It is very special that the speedbird logo wasthe only logo to be applied on all four aircraft representing the jet age: the de Havilland Comet, the Boeing 707, the Boeing 747 and Aérospatiale/BAC Concorde.

On 31 March 1974, BOAC merged with British European Airways (BEA), establishing British Airways as an airline. Like its predecessor airlines being the first to provide daily international scheduled air service and flying a jet airliner, British Airways became one of the two airlines to operate the supersonic Concorde in 1976. Over the last fifty years, British Airways has not only been the pioneer of the aviation industry but also one of the most recognised airlines in the world. On 18 February 2019, British Airways unveiled the special "Gold Speedbird" BOAC retro livery on G-BYGC, a Boeing 747-400, as part of its centenary celebrations. As perhaps the world's largest Boeing 747-400 operator, BA chose the Boeing 747 to celebrate its 100th anniversary because it was not only the flagship of the fleet but also the largest airliner that BOAC ever flew. 

“Gulf Charlie” was built in 1999 and flew in British Airways liveries for 20 years before becoming the “Gold Speedbird” in 2019. The newly-painted aircraft continued in service flying on the airlines intercontinental routes from London. On 4 April 2020, G-BYGC completed its last commercial flight, BA284 from San Francisco to London. The airliner was then stored due to the sharp travel downturn caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Sadly, British Airways finally decided to retire its entire Boeing 747 fleet in July 2020 due to the "devastating impact" of COVID-19. Although the decision was later proven to be right, it was still a heartbreaking moment for everyone who loved the "Queen of the Skies" deeply.

On 11 December 2020, G-BYGC became the final British Airways Boeing 747 ever to fly. The ferry flight BA747 took off from Cardiff and landed at St. Athan for the last time, marking the end of an era with 11,049 flights and 91,023 flying hours over nearly 45 million miles. The initial plan was to preserve the "Gold Speedbird" for generations to come, but unfortunately “Gulf Charlie” was eventually broken up for parts in October 2023.

As a company making tags to preserve at least some aviation history for airliners being scrapped, the "Gold Speedbird" was not included in our initial plan. But the moment that we were informed about the tragic news about G-BYGC, we knew that we had to act.

British Airways, along with Plane Reclaimers and Airlinertags, saved part of the skin from the fuselage and the tail before the teardown. Ladies and gentlemen, the "Gold Speedbird" is gone, but these tags will always stay with us, reminding us with the good old days from the Jet Age.

More information about Airlinertags

Weight : around 0.03kg per tag

Size : (Hexagon) 52mm*60mm in square size

          (Rectangle) 95mm*30mm

          (HUD) 88mm*35mm

Important to read before purchasing

Unique Serial Numbers:
Each tag comes with its own distinct serial number, ensuring that every tag is special and unique. The serial numbers are assigned randomly, guaranteeing that you receive a different one with each purchase.

The photos provided serve as a reference for the product's design. Please note that the serial number you receive will not be identical to the one shown in the picture.

Multicolour Tags:
If you choose to purchase multicolour tags, each tag will feature a unique pattern by the location of the cuts are made. The variety in patterns adds an extra touch of individuality to your collection, with each tag being distinct.

The photos provided serve as a reference for the product's colour(s). Please note that the colour pattern you receive will not be identical to the one shown in the picture.

Aircraft Skin Origins:
Our aircraft skins have a rich history, having been flown with the aircraft for years before being parked in Boneyards, or during cargo conversions. We then handcraft these skins into tags. It's important to note that minor scratches and paint drops are normal due to their previous life.

Tag Usage Recommendations:
Hexagons and multicolour rectangle tags are not recommended for use as keychains. However, all rectangle tags come with a ring for daily use, providing convenience and durability.

Packaging Details:
Your package will include a cardboard piece alongside the tag. The hole and rings provided are designed to easily connect the two components, ensuring a secure and organized presentation.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions or need more details, feel free to contact us. We're here to assist you and provide the information you need.

Authenticity of Airlinertags

At Airlinertags, authenticity is at the core of our product offering. We source our materials directly from boneyards and aircraft maintenance facilities worldwide, obtaining genuine aircraft skins that have weathered the skies and witnessed the stories of countless journeys.

Each keyring we create is a testament to the rich history and unique character of these aircraft skins. Our meticulous handcrafting process ensures that every tag preserves the integrity and authenticity of the original material, bringing a piece of aviation history into your hands.

When you hold an Airlinertags keyring, you're not just carrying a functional accessory – you're holding a piece of the aviation legacy. The marks, scratches, and imperfections on the aircraft skins tell a story of their own, making each keyring a distinctive and genuine artifact.

Experience the authenticity of aviation with Airlinertags – where every keyring is a tangible connection to the skies and the journeys these aircraft have undertaken.

Shipment Methods

Shipping Options: Economy and Express

Shipments are available with "Economy" (availability subject to service area) or "Express" option(s), postage and availability are listed during checkout. At [Your Store Name], we understand the importance of timely and reliable shipping. That's why we offer two convenient shipping options to cater to your needs – Economy and Express.

1. Economy Shipping by NextSmartShip:

Our Economy shipping option is fulfilled in partnership with NextSmartShip, a trusted and efficient warehouse partner. Here's what you can expect with our Economy shipping:

- Processing Time: Your order will be processed and prepared for shipment from our factory to the NextSmartShip warehouse.

- Delivery Time: Once your order reaches the NextSmartShip warehouse, it will be dispatched using an economical shipping method to your destination.

- Tracking: A tracking number will be provided by NextSmartShip, allowing you to monitor the progress of your shipment.

2. Express Shipping by DHL or UPS:

For those who need their orders expedited, we offer Express shipping through carriers like DHL or UPS. Here's what the Express shipping option details:

- Processing Time: Similar to Economy, your order will be processed and sent to the NextSmartShip warehouse.

- Delivery Time: Once at the NextSmartShip warehouse, your order will be expedited using DHL or UPS for a faster delivery to your doorstep.

- Tracking: Initially, a tracking number will be provided by NextSmartShip. If you've selected Express shipping and wish to track your order directly with DHL or UPS, simply contact us, and we'll provide you with the relevant tracking information once it is available.

How They Work:

1. Order Placement: After placing your order, it will be processed at our factory.

2. Transfer to NextSmartShip: Your products will be sent to our warehouse partner, NextSmartShip, for handling overseas shipping.

3. Shipment Dispatch: Depending on your chosen shipping option, your order will be dispatched either through the economical route or expedited with DHL or UPS.

4. Tracking Information: Track your order's journey using the provided tracking number. For Express customers, feel free to contact us for DHL or UPS tracking details.

At Airlinertags, we strive to provide a seamless and transparent shipping experience. If you have any questions or concerns, our customer support team is ready to assist you.

Thank you for choosing Airlinertags – where we provide you the best aircraft history in the world!

Disclaimer

All companies (except Brussels Airlines®, British Airways®, BOAC® and associated names) and product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Airlinertags is not affiliated with, connected to or sponsored by any one of them.

Brussels Airlines® and associated names, emblems and logos are registered trademarks or trademarks in the Belgium and used under license.

British Airways®, BOAC® and associated names, emblems and logos are registered trademarks or trademarks in the UK and used under license.

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