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The Story of Aviaco and Our MD-88 Aviationtag Edition
In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating history of Aviaco, a once-prominent Spanish airline, and introduce our special edition Aviationtag made from one of its aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas MD-88, registered EC-FJE. For aviation enthusiasts and collectors alike, this limited-edition plane tag is a piece of history that harks back to Aviaco's glory days and its eventual merger with Iberia. Let’s explore the origins of Aviaco and how the MD-88 became a part of this storied past.
The Origins of Aviaco
Aviaco, or "Aviación y Comercio, S.A.", was founded in 1948 as a Spanish domestic airline aimed at serving regional routes across Spain. Based in Madrid, Aviaco started operations with older aircraft inherited from the Spanish military and was known for connecting Spain’s smaller cities with major hubs. In its early years, Aviaco built its network slowly, flying to destinations that were not fully covered by the larger airlines of the time. By the 1960s, the airline began to modernize, expanding both its fleet and its network of domestic routes.
With Spain’s tourism boom in the 1960s and 1970s, Aviaco grew significantly, becoming a crucial part of the country’s air travel infrastructure. While Iberia handled long-haul and major domestic routes, Aviaco took charge of secondary routes and regional flights, providing an essential service for Spanish travelers and tourists alike.
Aviationtag Aviaco/Iberia MD-88 Collection View all
Expansion and Merger with Iberia
Aviaco’s fleet consisted of a variety of aircraft over the years, from early Douglas DC-3s and Convair CV-440s to more modern jets like the Douglas DC-9 and McDonnell Douglas MD-88. The MD-88, one of the last models of the MD-80 series, became a symbol of Aviaco's modernization in the early 1990s. The airline received "our" MD-88 (EC-FJE) in 1991, which would go on to serve both Aviaco and, following the airline’s merger, Iberia.
In the late 1990s, the aviation industry in Spain began to consolidate. Iberia, Spain’s flagship carrier, had already held a controlling interest in Aviaco since the mid-1970s, but it wasn’t until 1999 that Iberia fully integrated Aviaco into its operations. The merger marked the end of Aviaco as a standalone brand, but the airline's legacy lived on through its fleet and routes, which continued to serve passengers under the Iberia banner.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-88: A Piece of Aviation History
The McDonnell Douglas MD-88, registered EC-FJE, was one of Aviaco’s most iconic aircraft. Delivered in 1991, this aircraft served the airline during a critical period of growth and transition. Named "Gibralfaro" in Iberia’s fleet, the MD-88 was a workhorse for the Spanish domestic market, flying countless passengers across the Iberian Peninsula.
After serving both Aviaco and Iberia, the MD-88 was retired in 2008 and stored in Madrid. Recently, the aircraft was dismantled, and we at Aviationtag were fortunate enough to salvage parts of its fuselage. These pieces have now been upcycled into a special edition aircraft tag, giving this historic aircraft a second life as a collectible.
Our Aviationtag MD-88 Edition
The Aviationtag edition from the MD-88 EC-FJE is more than just a souvenir; it’s a piece of aviation history. Each plane tag carries the wear and tear of its years in service, a reminder of the countless flights it completed under the Aviaco and Iberia banners. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’ve taken great care to preserve the aircraft’s unique character, meaning every aircraft skin tag bears the marks of its long life in the skies.
For collectors, aviation enthusiasts, or anyone with a love of travel, this Aviationtag edition is a tangible connection to the legacy of Aviaco and the MD-88’s contribution to Spain’s aviation history. Spanish aviation’s past, preserved in the form of an Aviationtag from EC-FJE.
Have you ever soared with Aviaco and/or a MD-88? Share in the comments your boldest tales and memories!
