By Taylor Rains
British Airways Selling Aircraft Cabin Merchandise in Christmas Sale
Christmas has come early this year for collectors and aviation enthusiasts. On Monday, CNN reported that British Airways announced it would be opening its doors for customers to buy items from aircraft that have flown all over the world, including tableware, galley carts, slippers and other luxury merchandise. The airline is among the first in history to do this, and it is an opportunity for people to get their hands on unique memorabilia and re-create an authentic flying experience from home.
British Airways has a myriad of items for sale, including everything from luxury plates to oven racks. When browsing the website, customers will see that the company has put the merchandise into three categories: First, Club World and General.
First is described by the airlines as “where British history meets contemporary design” and includes renowned William Edwards tableware and teaware. Customers can order bowls, plates, mugs and a variety of other items. British’s top pick for William Edwards’ china is the starter/soup bowl set of three, which can be purchased for 30 British pounds ($40).
If the first-class items aren’t enough to pique customer interest, the airline is also offering merch from its business class, including bread baskets, towels, serving trays, champagne flues, coasters, casserole dishes, quilts, slippers and socks.
Furthermore, the general section is also selling collectible items, such as equipment boxes and oven racks. For those looking for a true historical relic, customers can also purchase the trolleys and canisters from the company’s retired 747 fleet.
British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience Carolina Martinoli, explained the decision to sell the unique items, saying, “This is an incredible one-off opportunity for people to bring the magic of flying with British Airways into their own homes. We know that these special items will fly, and we are delighted to be able to offer them in time for Christmas to give people the opportunity to make it memorable during a difficult year.”
The decision to sell the items to allow people to create a custom flight experience from home seems genuine, and they make for great gifts for the avgeek in the family. However, it is also likely a business strategy to bring in some extra cash. According to FOX Business, American Airlines will not be operating its London flights from Charlotte, New York or Chicago this year due to low demand, so the sale is a possible way to maintain customer loyalty and keep British Airways as a household name.
The airline has said items are selling out quickly before the holiday season.
Taylor Rains graduated from Florida Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Aviation Management in 2017. She has worked in the aviation industry for the past five years and has a specialty in safety analytics for part 121 airlines, but she has also worked for a part 135 company in Alaska. Her experience has allowed her to work in many areas of aviation, including airport operations, flight operations, security, inflight, dispatch, and maintenance. Taylor is also an avid traveler and has used her flight benefits to fly on as many airlines and aircraft types as possible. So far, her favorite flight has been aboard KLM’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
