Iron Maiden's Ed Force One – A Rock and Aviation Icon
Iron Maiden’s legacy extends beyond music into aviation history with their legendary touring aircraft, “Ed Force One.” Instead of relying on standard logistics, the band took an unconventional approach—using commercial jets to transport their massive stage productions across continents.
With lead singer Bruce Dickinson, a licensed airline transport pilot, often at the controls, their aircraft became as iconic as their music. The concept of a flying stage was more than just a logistical solution; it was a statement, merging rock and aviation in a way never seen before.We tell you the whole story in today's Aviationtag inflight magazine article.
From the Idea to the Airplane
The Evolution of Ed Force One
Iron Maiden’s aviation journey began in 2008 with a Boeing 757 (G-OJIB), used for their “Somewhere Back In Time” world tour.
Over the 45-day period the band played 23 concerts to over 500,000 fans in
11 countries, flying close to 50,000 miles in the specially refitted plane: Boeing 757, dubbed "Ed Force One" after a competition to name the plane. On this leg of the tour, the "Iron Maiden: Flight 666" film was shot.
For "The 'Final Frontier' tour in 2011, Iron Maiden also relied on a Boeing 757. This time, the B757 G-STRX was given the unique Iron Maiden livery - or rather, wrapped. However, this aircraft also could not permanently meet the ever-growing stage requirements, and new ideas were needed.
The Upgrade
Queen of the Skies
In 2016, the band decided to upgrade to First Class on the airplanes: As with the tours in 2008 and 2011, the band traveled with their own plane, which they named "Ed Force One" after their mascot Eddie, this time, however, with a Boeing 747-400 jumbo jet provided by Air Atlanta Icelandic.
According to Bruce Dickinson, who piloted the plane as captain, the larger 747-400 meant that the band could travel at higher speeds and for longer periods of time. Additionally, it was possible to transport their equipment without having to make extensive modifications to the aircraft, as was the case with the 757.
Ed Force One transported the band, their crew, and over 12 tons of equipment for all their performances up to and including their concert in Gothenburg, Sweden on June 17.
Bye bye Ed Force One
The End of an Era
In an interview with ABC News in 2022, Bruce Dickinson stated that he would no longer fly tour planes himself in the future. At the age of 63, he felt it was time to take a seat as a passenger – after all, commercial pilots must retire at 65. Additionally, the band wants to forgo their own planes in the future for environmental protection reasons.
Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in the music industry, and Iron Maiden is adapting to this change.
And now...?
The Fate of the Iron Maiden Tour Planes
After its service with Iron Maiden, TF-AAK returned to its owner Air Atlanta Icelandic.The aircraft then flew for Saudi Arabian Airlines, among others, before being retired in 2020. Until 2024, it remained in the UK – where it was then scrapped. Fortunately, Aviationtag was able to secure parts of this legend to preserve it for future generations.
The band’s first 757, G-OJIB, found a second life with FedEx, where it was converted into a cargo plane and still operates today under the registration N938FD.
The second 757, G-STRX, was less fortunate; after serving multiple airlines and accumulating over 55,000 flight hours, it was scrapped in 2012 following the bankruptcy of its last operator, Astraeus.
Led Zeppelin, Elvis & Co.
Music and Aviation – A Longstanding Connection
Iron Maiden’s use of aircraft isn’t an isolated case—rock stars have long had a fascination with flying. In the 1970s, Led Zeppelin famously toured on a Boeing 720 known as “The Starship,” which was equipped with a lounge, bedrooms, and even a bar.
The Rolling Stones also had a Boeing 737, while Elvis Presley’s private fleet included a Lockheed JetStar and a Convair 880, both customized to his luxurious tastes. These flying machines were more than just transportation; they symbolized the larger-than-life personas of rock’s biggest legends.
Up the Irons!
The Legacy of Ed Force One
Iron Maiden’s approach to touring set a new benchmark, proving that a commercial airliner could be transformed into a fully functional tour aircraft. Beyond logistics, Ed Force One became a symbol of the band’s global reach and their dedication to delivering the ultimate live experience. It wasn’t just about getting from one venue to another—it was about bringing Iron Maiden’s world to fans in the most spectacular way possible.
Though Ed Force One’s flying days are over, its story lives on, both in aviation history and through Aviationtag's upcycling initiative, which preserves pieces of these legendary aircraft, giving them a second life beyond the skies.
What do you think of Iron Maiden's unique combination of rock and aviation? Do you perhaps have a favorite piece from the band's history or an interesting anecdote about one of the tour planes?
Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!
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Photo Credits: All photos by and from Iron Maiden, Tomori and Henrique Pinto on Flickr, Bob Gruen. Thanks!