Special aircraft liveries have long been a magnet for aviation enthusiasts, from EVA Air's Hello Kitty jets to JetBlue's Super Mario-themed planes. Among the most celebrated was Icelandair's Hekla Aurora, a Boeing 757-200 that sported a vivid aurora borealis design since 2014.
The aircraft, named after Iceland's Hekla volcano and the northern lights, was painted using elaborate airbrushing techniques to capture the swirling greens, blues, and blacks of the celestial phenomenon. It remained in service until 12 October 2024, when it was retired from the fleet.
Now, Icelandair has teamed up with Hamburg-based Aviationtag to give the retired jet a second life. The company has transformed sections of the aircraft's skin into a limited-edition series of keychains, allowing fans to own a tangible piece of aviation history.
From runway to keyring
Announcing the collaboration on social media, Icelandair said: “Last year we farewelled a beloved member of our fleet: Hekla Aurora, the Boeing 757 painted in the colors of the northern lights. Saying goodbye to such a beauty wasn’t easy, so we collaborated with Aviationtag to preserve the aircraft’s livery.”
The keychains are priced from €39.95, with Aviationtag noting that because of the livery's intricate design, “no two pieces look exactly alike.” For serious collectors, sets of nine or fourteen tags are available at €409.35 and €634.30 respectively.
Icelandair is also giving away ten tags through a social media contest, asking fans to share memories of flying on Hekla Aurora or of witnessing the northern lights in Iceland.
A growing trend of upcycled aviation memorabilia
Icelandair is not alone in repurposing aircraft parts into merchandise. Air France sells keychains made from leather headrests and wallets crafted from lifejackets, and even offers engine blades turned into works of art. Lufthansa Group airlines—including Lufthansa, Austrian, Brussels, and SWISS—sell a range of recycled products on their Worldshop, from coasters and cufflinks to lamps and tables.
This trend reflects a broader movement within the aviation industry to reduce waste and find creative ways to preserve the legacy of beloved aircraft. For fans of the Hekla Aurora, the keychains offer a unique keepsake that captures the spirit of Iceland's natural wonders and the airline's heritage.
As European carriers continue to modernise their fleets, such initiatives provide a meaningful way to honour the past while embracing sustainability. Whether you're a dedicated plane spotter or simply appreciate the beauty of the northern lights, these keychains offer a small but evocative reminder of a remarkable aircraft.
