BREAKING: Legendary Iron Maiden Ed Force one C…read more.
In the world of rock and roll, few bands have gone to the lengths that Iron Maiden has to reach their global fanbase. One of their most iconic tools in doing so was Ed Force One, a fully customized Boeing 747-400 that served as both transport and symbol during the band’s massive Book of Souls World Tour in 2016. But now, after years of resting in aviation limbo, the plane tail number TF-AAK has officially been retired and scrapped in the UK in 2024.
More than just an aircraft, Ed Force One was a symbol of Iron Maiden’s larger-than-life spirit. Piloted by frontman Bruce Dickinson, who holds a commercial airline transport license, the plane allowed the band to fly themselves, their crew, and over 12 tons of stage equipment across continents all on their own schedule. Dickinson, whose passion for aviation began in childhood, has long balanced dual careers as a metal legend and an airline captain, a combination that made Ed Force One a marvel both in music and aviation circles.
Before the 747, Iron Maiden used a Boeing 757-200 (tail number G-OJIB) as their flying base during the Somewhere Back in Time tour from 2008–2009. Both planes were specially outfitted with Iron Maiden’s livery, featuring their mascot Eddie on the tail and interiors configured to transport both people and cargo essentially flying tour buses.
What made Ed Force One so unique was its reach. With the 747’s long-range capabilities, Iron Maiden was able to perform in 13 countries in just 45 days, including stops in India, Costa Rica, China, and Australia places often bypassed by other major touring acts due to logistical challenges. The aircraft’s flexibility opened doors to fans who otherwise may never have seen the band live.
The name Ed Force One was chosen by fans through an online competition, merging Iron Maiden’s mascot “Eddie” with a cheeky nod to the U.S. presidential plane, Air Force One. The lucky fan who coined the name was awarded a backstage pass, a crew jacket, and a signed photo of the plane.
Ed Force One’s journey wasn’t without turbulence. In March 2016, while grounded in Santiago, Chile, the 747 was damaged after a ground vehicle struck its undercarriage. Two crew members were injured, but after rapid repairs, the plane was back in the air within days.
Fans were given an intimate look into the life of Ed Force One in the 2009 documentary Iron Maiden: Flight 666, which followed the band as they toured the globe in their flying fortress. The film offered behind-the-scenes footage, fan reactions, and insight into the band’s high-flying lifestyle.
In 2024, TF-AAK’s flying days came to an end. But the legacy lives on parts of the aircraft were salvaged and turned into collectible tags by Aviationtag, allowing fans to own a literal piece of Iron Maiden history.
Ed Force One wasn’t just a jet. It was a roaring declaration of Iron Maiden’s global reach a steel beast with metal in its heart and Eddie on its wings.
