Unique Aircraft Identifiers - A Must-Have for Aviation Enthusiasts
AircraftTag, a unique company based in Vienna, Austria, was founded at the end of 2021. The brainchild of several pilots, including Patrik Stranz and Ralph Wansch, who are also pilots for Austrian Airlines, the company has made a name for itself by repurposing decommissioned aircraft parts into a variety of products.
The company has processed over 35 to 40 aircraft, including the ATR 72, Super Guppy of Aero Spacelines, Boeing 737, A320, and more. Some of these aircraft have been sourced from airlines such as Lufthansa, Virgin Australia, Eurowings, and Austrian Airlines.
AircraftTag's production process begins with the careful cleaning of the aircraft skin using dry ice. This meticulous step ensures that the final products are free from any residue or contaminants. The heart of the production process is a punching machine, followed by precise cutting with a water jet machine.
Denise Bohrmann, Patrik's sister, is a laser expert at AircraftTag. She switched from teaching to becoming a flight attendant in 2017 and now contributes significantly to the company's operations. Gerhard Valli, a former pilot, handles the shipping logistics at AircraftTag.
To produce as little waste as possible, skin pieces are also processed into magnets. The purchase price per square meter of aircraft skin at AircraftTag ranges from 250 to 2000 euros, depending on its popularity.
Struts from aircraft are processed into display objects for the tags, while the company has also produced 2000 personalized Virgin Australia tags. AircraftTag has established good contacts with aircraft dismantlers who were initially surprised that someone wanted to use waste in such a creative way.
The first aircraft material was obtained from a former Austrian Airlines A330 that was last in use with TAP Air Portugal. Today, some aircraft parts are stored in a warehouse in Holland, including parts of an A318 and A319 of Air France.
AircraftTag's products include keychains, luggage tags, coasters, and magnets. The company has established reseller businesses in Hong Kong, Osaka, Tokyo, Zurich, and is increasing its corporate clients, including the IATA.
The idea for AircraftTag was born during a joint run by the founders during the corona crisis. The company's commitment to sustainability and creativity has made it a standout in the industry.
