Globe-Trotter Takes to the Skies with Flexjet

When a spotless handmade case so prestigious as a Globe-Trotter is rolled into your possession, you may be resistant to ever put it to proper use. Like a set of earrings that stay bound to their red cushion from fear of losing one. Or a Rolex stored only ever behind a safe door and never actually on your wrist. After a visit (or a speedy flight) over to the Globe-Trotter factory, being encapsulated by the rich meaning and heritage behind its luggage left this protective mindset of mine completely flipped. Every bump, mark and faded sticker on the suitcases in the repairs station told a story. Over in Japan, new owners of suitcases are photographed beside their fresh purchase to look back and compare as their luggage gradually evolves and becomes lived in. Un-dyed leather corners of the best-selling Safari Collection are designed to change colour and fade beautifully over time. Strolling through every meticulous step and thought-out feature, it became clear, Globe-Trotters are made to be used and used well.

A Curated Collab with Jet-Setters in Mind

Now, the timelessly elegant luggage of Globe-Trotter meets the suave private aviation of Flexjet in a unique collection made to take to the skies in style. This exciting collaboration is set to elevate the travel experience for Flexjet’s ultra-high-net-worth clientele, offering them access to a bespoke collection of limited-edition luggage that perfectly complements the sophistication of flying with Flexjet. After all, what's flying without the perfect luggage to match the journey?

The Flexjet x Globe-Trotter collection features two stunning colourways, each inspired by the sleek livery of the Flexjet fleet. The first, an Ivory case with Steel leather trim, a pristine tribute to the signature look of their aircrafts. While the second, an Original Brown with Burgundy leather trim, exudes classic luxury. The collection includes a variety of luggage options, from a sleek Miniature Case ideal for passports and mid-air makeup touch-ups, to a spacious Large Check-In Case for long-term getaways. Each piece is crafted from durable vegetable-tanned leather and vulcanized fibreboard, with interiors showcasing a unique aircraft and star-pattern design, highlighted by the Flexjet logo and iconic aircraft motif.

All cases are completely handmade, start to finish, a process I went to see for myself at the Globe-Trotter factory in Hertfordshire. Transported by none other than a soundproofed Flexjet helicopter (because who wants their hair ruined by a headset?)

The Making of a Globe-Trotter

As the propellers span into an ever-moving blur and London’s skyline turned to a mosaic of reddened forests and quaint suburban housing, my mind wandered, imagining the remarkable individuals who had been in this very seat before me. Given Flexjet’s reputation, it’s safe to say that some truly exciting people had likely taken flight in the same helicopter. With such an exclusive list of clientele, it was about time that Flexjet expanded their string of partnerships into the realms of luxury luggage. And who better to collaborate with than a brand who shares their same commitment to customer experiences, and growing base of notable devotees. Globe-Trotter has long been the choice for royalty and icons, once serving the likes of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill. To assisting Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell in travelling from runway to runway, and more recently, serving Tyler the Creator, who designed his own personalised case.

The luxe luggage makers are no stranger to bespoke requests. In fact, they’ve got two production lines at their factory -one for their core collections, and another dedicated solely to custom creations. Despite being a quintessentially British brand, it's in Japan that the Globe-Trotter sales soar the highest and bespoke orders are most popular. From crafting horse boxes for Yves Saint Laurent and made-to-order guitar cases for rock musicians, to designing a specially made sashimi knife case for sushi chef Hiroyuki Sato. These leather goods stretch far beyond suitcases. And when I say these goods are hand-made, I truly mean it. Every piece is crafted with skilled hands and immense care. From hand-painting the leather and building the wooden frames, to sewing each stitch and quality testing every hinge and lock before the final product ships out. It's mesmerising, with the most satisfying moment being the creation of Globe-Trotter’s signature leather corners. Each begins as a perfectly cut circle, a process almost like cutting a cookie from dough. These circles are then moulded into geometric cups, ready to be affixed onto their case by hand.

lifetime after lifetime

At the back of the factory, where the final pieces are carefully packed and prepared to journey to their new owners, lies the repair section—a truly magical space. It's filled with stories: collaborations from years past, dusty cases handed down through generations, and inherited luggage adorned with old hotel and destination stickers (Paddington Bear-style). This is where the well-travelled cases reside, the ones that have truly lived. With what Globe-Trotter's Head of Marketing, Ed Walsh, aptly describes as the "battle scars of travel". These remarkable suitcases aren’t just built to be used, but they're crafted to carry tales and to last lifetime after lifetime. Like a fine cheese or vintage wine, "the older they get, the better they become".

The Flexjet x Globe-Trotter luggage collection is available exclusively from Flexjet, with pricing for its aircraft Owners ranging from £150 for a passport cover, to £2,320 for a Large Check-In Case.

Browse Globe-Trotter's luggage and leather goods via globe-trotter.com and learn more about Flexjet's private aviation services via flexjet.com