SOUTH KOREA. Korean Air has released its latest upcycled products – name tags and golf ball markers – crafted from a retired Boeing 777 aircraft.
The products make up the airline’s fourth collection of upcycled items from retired aircraft, underlining its ongoing commitment to sustainability.
The new collection uses the ‘skin’ of a dismantled Boeing 777-200ER, registration number HL7721. The aircraft entered service in October 2003, completing 11,637 flights to 98 destinations and covering close to 63 million kilometres before its retirement in May 2020.
Repurposed from the aircraft’s fuselage, the name tags and golf ball markers were made from duralumin, a lightweight yet sturdy alloy. The colour of each item – ranging from sky blue to red – depends on the fuselage section from which it was sourced. Each product has its own serial number, adding to its collectible value.
The name tags’ design is inspired by an aircraft tail wing to evoke memories of air travel. Korean Air’s logo is displayed along with the aircraft type and registration number. The tags can be personalised through an engraving process.
The golf ball markers come in two distinctive designs. One showcases Korean Air’s logo with the aircraft type and registration number engraved in various colours while the second features the traditional Taeguk symbol from the Korean flag on a sky-blue background. Both designs include a magnet on the back.
The exclusive products are available for purchase through Korean Air’s e-skyshop.
Korean Air has been creating upcycled products using retired aircraft from 2021. The first name tags from a Boeing 777-200ER were limited to 4,000 pieces and sold out in one day.
In addition to aircraft materials, Korean Air has also upcycled inflight items. The airline released upcycled cosmetic pouches using retired cabin life vests and created hot water bottle pouches made from end-of-cycle inflight blankets, as well as first aid pouches made from used pilot and cabin crew uniforms. Those products were donated to local communities.
Korean Air said it is committed to producing eco-friendly upcycled goods, “giving customers a chance to own a piece of aviation history while supporting the environment”. ✈️
