Fans of the long-range Boeing 777-200LR 'Worldliner' can now get their hands on tags made from the skin of one of these retired widebodies. In cooperation with Etihad Airways, Aviationtag is now selling tags from A6-LRB, a 777-200LR that flew for the Abu Dhabi-based flag carrier until 2018. Let's look at the products.
Now on sale
Today marked the launch of Aviationtag's latest products, a limited-edition collection of aircraft skin tags from A6-LRB, an ex-Etihad Airways Boeing 777-200LR. The company, which has launched several high-profile skin tags from legendary aircraft, is selling these unique collectibles on its website. Each tag comes from a different part of the jet's fuselage, with Aviationtag explaining:
"Every tag is unique. Depending on the plane, tags may vary in terms of haptics, material thickness, and color. Small blemishes bear witness to the plane’s long history and are an authentic reminder of its glory days over the clouds. Small scratches, flaky paint, and imperfections are totally normal and give our Aviationtags their unique charm – the charm of a vintage product crafted from upcycled materials."
Aviationtag's products are part of a growing movement among aviation enthusiasts to own parts of their favorite planes after they retire. This has become especially popular during the pandemic, as the global health crisis forced additional aircraft to be prematurely withdrawn. The tags can be attached to keys or bags, as, as seen below, there is space for a keyring at the top of the product.
Two different options
If you have already taken a look at Aviationtag's website to explore the possibility of purchasing a skin tag from A6-LRB, you will have noticed that two different options are listed. The limited run of 15,000 tags features examples that are either mainly gold or pearl white, depending on where in the aircraft they came from.
These reflect the main colors used in Etihad's livery. The gold examples are the more exclusive and lavish option, and subsequently command a higher price tag. Still, for just €37.95 ($41.32), they are certainly worth the investment for avgeeks after an extra special tag. The white examples come in at €29.95 ($32.61).
Measuring 35mm wide and 88mm long, Aviationtag's products represent the perfect chance for enthusiasts to own a small piece of aviation history. The company also offers cases for just €3.95 ($4.30), which are a useful way for those using the tags as key rings or bag tags to protect their investment.
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The aircraft's service life
While A6-LRB ended its career at Etihad Airways, it actually began its life at another Asian flag carrier, namely Air India. One of 60 Boeing 777-200LRs built, and the first to be scrapped, it entered service as VT-ALB in August 2007. It stayed there for just under seven years, operating under the name 'Arunachal Pradesh.'
According to data from ch-aviation.com, it then made the switch to Etihad in March 2014, where it remained active for four years. Unfortunately, it hasn't found a new operator since leaving the carrier in 2018, and thus has been sent for scrapping. Nonetheless, it will now live on thanks to Aviationtag's new product line.
What do you make of Aviationtag's latest product line? Did you ever travel on one of Etihad's Boeing 777-200LRs? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!