British Airways Auctions BOAC 747-Inspired Luxury Suitcases
Auction ends Tuesday, Jan 19 – proceeds go to support Flying Start, the British Airways-Comic Relief global charity partnership
Airline geeks take note: British Airways is auctioning off two luxury suitcases whose design mimics the BOAC livery that adorned the last of the carrier’s 747 jumbo jets, which was retired in December.
Bids on the cases need to be placed by Tuesday, Jan. 19 and bids start at £2,000 per item ($2,715). You can find the link to the bid here.
The cases are handmade in England and incorporate the “Gold Speedbird” insignia and a fragment from a retired British Airways 747 aircraft.
The auction will raise funds for Flying Start, British Airways global charity partnership with Comic Relief. Since its launch in 2010, Flying Start has raised more than £25 million to help more than 824,000 disadvantaged children and young people in the UK and around the world.
“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,” said Hamish McVey, British Airways’ Head of Brands & Marketing.
“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.”
If you don’t make the auction and still crave the cases you can purchase the limited-edition item from the creator, luxury case maker, Globe-Trotter.
The suitcases are made from high gloss vulcanized fiberboard 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 collection is limited to just 150 suitcases which will be available to order online from today and in Globe-Trotter’s flagship stores.
