INSIDE THE PAN AM JOURNEY - A TRIBUTE THAT TOOK FLIGHT

In June, we had the honour of delivering a unique project years in the making: a private air journey that paid homage to the spirit and style of Pan Am. This wasn’t a recreation — it was a creative tribute designed for modern travellers, shaped by legacy, and brought to life in collaboration with Criterion Travel, with the support of the Pan Am Museum Foundation, and under official licence from Pan American World Airways.

Media Buzz

From the very first announcement, the journey sparked widespread attention — and sold out to an entirely new audience, driven largely by earned media. Aviation enthusiasts and flight spotters tracked the aircraft from takeoff, while social media lit up across global aviation networks. It wasn’t just the livery that caught their eye — it was the nostalgia, the precision in the details, and the emotional resonance it stirred, both for those who remembered Pan Am and those discovering its legacy for the first time.

Media coverage quickly followed, with features across aviation press, travel publications, and lifestyle outlets — all recognising the rarity and thoughtfulness of the project, and the powerful place the Pan Am brand still holds in the imagination.

On Brand, On Board

Together with Criterion Travel, we shaped every aspect of the experience — from itinerary design and onboard content to the visual storytelling and guest journey. Everything was intentionally aligned with the tone, legacy, and elegance of Pan Am — not as a replica, but as a meaningful, modern tribute.

From vintage-inspired details to a service style that felt both timeless and fresh, this was a journey where every element stayed true to the spirit of the brand. Working closely with our airline partners, we curated menus inspired by historic Pan Am service — including an onboard caviar offering that was a clear guest favourite. The aircraft itself, dressed in the iconic livery, made an unforgettable first impression — and vintage uniforms worn by the crew deepened the sense of authenticity and occasion.

This wasn’t just about a logo. It was about capturing what Pan Am represented: elegance, innovation, and the sense of opportunity that once defined the golden age of air travel.

Powered by Partnerships

At Bartelings, we specialise in bringing complex, multi-stakeholder projects to life — and this journey was a powerful example of that. Working with Criterion Travel, we focused on operational design and guest service delivery, ensuring every detail honoured the spirit of Pan Am with precision and care.

Delivered under official licence from Pan American World Airways and supported by the Pan Am Museum Foundation, this tribute reached a passionate community of aviation enthusiasts while also captivating an entirely new audience. It was made possible through close coordination with multiple partners, from branding and creative to aircraft operations and guest-facing teams.

For our clients and collaborators, this journey demonstrated the value of working with a team experienced in aligning diverse contributors around a shared vision — and executing it flawlessly.

Guest Feedback

Guests shared their impressions throughout the journey — with spontaneous moments of emotion, delight, and personal reflection. For some, it was a nostalgic reconnection. For others, a discovery of a brand they’d only heard stories about.

Across social media and post-trip feedback, one theme came through clearly: this was something rare, meaningful, and beautifully delivered.

“This is the most magnificent trip we have ever taken — we are running out of adjectives to describe it.”

To see more guest reactions, media coverage, and highlights from the journey, visit our dedicated Pan Am page.

The Future

This journey was more than a nostalgic moment — it proved what’s possible when storytelling, brand legacy, and private air travel come together with creativity and care.

More journeys are already in development under a new brand launched in partnership with Criterion Travel. The next departure, Tracing the Transpacific, is now on sale. Discover the itinerary and learn more at beyondcapricorn.com/pan-am.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about the Pan Am journey or want to explore how we can help elevate your brand through travel, get in touch with us here.