This might be the snazziest thing related to American Airlines that I’ve ever seen…
In this post:
Bordbar’s new retro American Airlines bar cart
Bordbar is a Cologne, Germany, based company that any aviation geek should appreciate. The company produces airplane trolleys that you can proudly display in your home or office. They’re not cheap, but they’re high quality and ridiculously beautiful.
While the company creates “generic” airplane bar carts for consumers, it has also had a licensing agreement with both Lufthansa and Pan Am.
Lufthansa airplane trolley
Well, the company is now partnering with a third airline — American Airlines!
Bordbar’s newest product is a trolley with the iconic retro American Airlines logo. As it’s described, the trolley is made of polished stainless steel, silver anodized frames, and over 500 hand-placed rivets.
American Airlines airplane trolley
American Airlines airplane trolley
American Airlines airplane trolley
Very nice, how much?
I’m sure I’m not the only avgeek salivating at the thought of having this in my home, so how expensive it is? Well, it ain’t cheap!
The basic American Airlines retro cart costs 1,694.11 EUR, and shipping to the United States costs 195 EUR, bringing the total to 1,889.11 EUR. That’s ~$2,300.
That doesn’t include potential further customization options for the interior, depending on what your plans are for the bar.
For what it’s worth, in the past we’ve seen airline galley carts sold for less. For example, Qantas recently sold some used 747 galley carts, which cost just over $1,000 and came fully stocked with snacks, drinks, and even pajamas. However, those couldn’t be shipped to the United States.
Ultimately Bordbor has turned galley carts into art — these aren’t used, but rather are manufactured specifically for consumers, and the quality reflects that. So while they’re not cheap, they look like an awesome bar or living room feature for any avgeek who can swing it.
Bottom line
Bordbar creates some of the highest quality airline galley carts out there. In the past the company had licensing agreements with Lufthansa and Pan Am, and now you can add American Airlines to that list as well.
This is mighty tempting… if only it were a bit cheaper.
Anyone plan on picking up one of these galley carts, or know where else to get a better deal on a cart in good condition nowadays?
I have a few of them since many year and they are not only beautiful but also very useful both in my office and in my living room.
Can I get miles to my preferred carrier and what card do you suggest we use?
In all seriousness, I would like to see what style of decorating these fit in your homes. Do you have First Class flat seats for recliners?
Maybe UA will be having a cart sale; they seem to be 'surplus to requirements' pretty much.
If these are used as art as you said then it's more of a display piece that takes up space rather than being a display piece AND having a functional value. If it doesn't come fully stocked which I can understand due to importing permits and regulations then it becomes even more expensive. This is DIFFERENT that Qantas selling their trollies in that the ones that the airline sold were used versus created by a company for the purpose of sales to customers.
actual ones are for a lot less
I miss AA...
Seriously ridiculous price.
@ Ben, not cheap, but you’d hVe it at your new house forever and better long term deal than a night at the Four Seasons in Maui.
@ Ben -- Wow, another waste of money.
I actually have one of these (not with the AA logo) from Bordbar that I use as a bar. It's fantastic - great workmanship, functional, cool (albeit expensive). You have to see it as a piece of furniture/art to justify the cost, but it really is that. I also have two smaller ones that I use as as drawers/file cabinet under my desk (which is also aviation art - the desk is from wing slats of an Airbus).
If you're giving it real thought, go for it, they're super cool.
I actually sell a few airline carts on my eBay store here — https://www.ebay.com/usr/creativeaviation
@Lucky, feel free to remove the link as I’m not sure on the solicitation policy for comments in this regard.
@Gregg thanks for the Miami tip, I'm going to have to start searching around here.
These German ones are beautiful, but I feel like I can make my own from a used cart for at least 1/5 the price and put a sticker for whatever airline I want on the side.
Ebay has used carts available on occasion. I bought an Atlas Air meal cart a few years ago. I custom built some wood trays and now use it as a tool box. I just roll it around my basement shop, and simply pull out the drawer with the tool that I need. I love it.
There are also a few aircraft remodeling and conversion shops in Miami. They may have some carts on hand they're...
Ebay has used carts available on occasion. I bought an Atlas Air meal cart a few years ago. I custom built some wood trays and now use it as a tool box. I just roll it around my basement shop, and simply pull out the drawer with the tool that I need. I love it.
There are also a few aircraft remodeling and conversion shops in Miami. They may have some carts on hand they're itching to get rid of. They're all used of course, but for the most part these carts are extremely well made.
American really needs to go back to that logo. I hated the current branding when they introduced it, and still do.
The Delta Museum will occasionally sell carts for much less when they have their monthly surplus sale. I bought a cart for $125 years ago from them. The only catch is you must pick up at the museum and they only sell them onsite.