Freeport A’Famosa Outlet proudly introduces Coach Airways, the world’s first-ever retail concept store and café housed in a converted 1981 Boeing 747-230B aircraft.
The ambitious project, initiated in April 2021, successfully acquired, transferred, assembled, and completed the transformation of the Boeing 747 in May 2023. Spanning 231 feet 10 inches in length and with a wingspan of 195 feet 8 inches, the Boeing 747, once hailed as the largest civilian aircraft in the late 1960s, now takes on a new role as the pioneering Coach outlet in an aircraft.
YAB Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Bin Yusoh, Chief Minister of Malacca, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Coach Airways is a significant milestone for Malacca, enhancing its tourism offerings and aligning with the objectives of Visit Malacca 2024. This establishment symbolizes luxury and prestige for all Malaysians, especially Malaccans.”
Datuk Julian Lau, Director of Freeport A’Famosa Outlet, shared, “Over the past two years, our team has dedicated immense effort to transform this mega Boeing 747 Jumbo into an exclusive, one-of-a-kind retail destination by Coach. This latest addition enhances our commitment to providing innovative experiences for our visitors, offering Malaysians and tourists a fun and immersive shopping experience where they can explore the cockpit, passenger, and lounge cabins while browsing Coach collections.”
Aviation enthusiasts and shoppers alike will be captivated by the Queen of the Sky, as the Boeing 747 is affectionately known, now reigning as the Queen of Retail. This extraordinary fusion of aviation history and shopping offers a spacious layout reminiscent of the golden age of air travel, emphasizing luxury and elegance.
Upon entering the store, customers will receive an entry pass resembling an air ticket, simulating an air travel experience right from the entrance via an air bridge. They can explore the plane’s interior and retail cabins, featuring a curated selection of all-gender ready-to-wear, bags, and travel accessories inspired by the next generation’s expressive approach to fashion.
Coach will also unveil the exclusive Coach Airways Collection, including a range of t-shirts, a passport leather case, a wheeled carry-on luggage, a field tote, and travel accessories such as luggage tags, pouches, and small wallets, adorned with a limited-edition reimagination of the house’s iconic Signature.
Campbell O’Shea, General Manager of Tapestry Southeast Asia & Oceania, expressed excitement, stating, “The opening of Coach Airways not only introduces our first-of-its-kind retail concept but also signifies Coach’s commitment to innovation and creating a space where customers can explore and interact. We look forward to bringing this experiential retail pop-up to Freeport A’Famosa Outlet, a popular shopping destination in Malacca.”
Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, congratulated the management team of Freeport A’Famosa Outlet for achieving the Malaysia Book of Record’s recognition for the “First Retail Concept Store in an Airplane.” The outlet was also awarded the “Unique Retail Experience” of 2023 by the Malaysian Association of Theme Parks & Family Attractions (MATFA) earlier this month, further establishing Freeport A’Famosa Outlet as a must-visit destination where fashion, history, and innovation converge to provide an unforgettable retail experience.
Coach Airways at Freeport A’Famosa Outlet is set to provide guests with a distinctive and value-added shopping experience while attracting a broader customer base and driving sales. In addition to the retail space, the aircraft will be equipped with a welcoming area, an immersive gallery, and a contemporary café, providing guests with a space to relax and indulge in refreshments while enjoying the unique ambience of the transformed aircraft.
Coach Airways is poised to become a global attraction which enchants guests with its fusion of retail and aviation, where imagination takes flight.
