British Airways Partners Globe-Trotter for 150 Handmade BOAC Speedbird Suitcases

To mark the retirement of its Boeing 747 fleet, British Airways has partnered with Globe-Trotter to create a limited-edition range of carry-on suitcases which celebrate the spirit of the jumbo jet age.

Taking inspiration from the airline’s BOAC livery, which also adorned the final British Airways aircraft to retire in December 2020, the BOAC Speedbird suitcases have been handmade in England and incorporate the iconic ‘Gold Speedbird’ insignia and a fragment from a retired British Airways 747 aircraft.

To officially launch the range, two of the suitcases are being auctioned via online auction platform ‘bid_in’ to raise funds for Flying Start, British Airways’ global charity partnership with Comic Relief. With bids starting at £2,000 per item, the BOAC Speedbird suitcases are set to become an instant collectors’ item.

Hamish McVey, British Airways’ Head of Brands & 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 made 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 range is limited to just 150 suitcases which are available to order online and in Globe-Trotter’s flagship stores.

Vicente Castellano, Executive Chairman, Globe-Trotter, said, “We at Globe-Trotter could not be happier to collaborate with British Airways and support their important Flying Start programme. The commemorative BOAC case that we have created together, is the perfect celebration of travel and style – two values that have inspired the past and indeed the future of Globe-Trotter.”

Since the partnership with Comic Relief began in 2010, British Airways has raised over £25 million for the charity through Flying Start, reaching more than 824,000 people.

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