According to Licensing.biz, long-running German-based model company Revell has inked a deal with Global Merchandising Services for a new Iron Maiden-themed model plane. The limited edition Ed Force One “will appeal to both traditional builders and hobbyists as well as the dedicated Iron Maiden fanbase,” says Global Merchandising Services’ licensing manager Jens Drinkwater.

The Boeing 747-400 jet will carry band, crew and stage production and equipment over 55,000 miles around the world visiting around 35 countries on The Book of Souls World Tour 2016. BraveWords photographer Jennifer Bartram-Schmitt was in Fort Lauderdale when Ed Force One landed to commence The Book Of Souls Tour in February. Click here to view photos.

Bruce Dickinson commented recently: “The greatest benefit of travelling in a 747 is that because of its colossal size and freight capacity we can carry our stage production and all our stage equipment and desks in the cargo hold without having to make any of the immense structural modifications needed to do this on the previous 757, the extent of which fans will have noted on the Flight 666 DVD. Although in reality we cannot carry much more gear the savings in complexity, time and cost make using the 747 even more practical. Furthermore, it is marginally faster o.85 MACH and the range of around 7000NM (13,000 km) is much greater which means we will not have to make the refuelling stops we needed to with the 757. We’re all really excited at the thought of bringing our brand new tour to fans who have never seen us play live before, and of course re-visiting all our old friends again too. You can rest assured we are all working hard to put together a spectacular show for our fans.”

Iron Maiden’s The Book Of Souls tour has landed in North America and the British icons will play New York’s Madison Square Garden tonight (March 30th).

Dates on Iron Maiden’s The Book Of Souls World Tour can be found here (with ticket links).