Orion Airways Metal Bottle Opener
Celebrate Orion Airways with a practical keepsake inspired by British holiday aviation. Created by Horizon Travel in late 1978, Orion took to the skies in March 1980 and grew from three Boeing 737-200s to a fleet of 11 by summer 1984. The airline later added scheduled holiday services and passed through successive owners before joining Britannia Airways in 1989. Its clearly defined history gives this bottle opener a place in a collection devoted to airline identities and the changing travel industry.
Orion Airways Ltd., usually known as Orion, was a United Kingdom airline established by Horizon Travel in late 1978 to support its package-holiday business amid a shortage of charter capacity. It began flying on 28 March 1980 with three Boeing 737-200s. The fleet grew to 11 of that type by summer 1984, and from 1985 the airline began replacing them with Boeing 737-300s. It also operated Airbus A300s. From 1984, Orion took on charter work for other tour operators. In 1986 it received permission to operate scheduled holiday services from airports in Castle Donington and Birmingham, starting on 4 September. The Horizon group, including Orion, was bought by the brewing and hotels group Bass in 1987. Thomson Travel Group acquired the group in 1988, and Orion was integrated into Britannia Airways in 1989. Orion’s last flight took place on 26 January 1989; its scheduled licenses transferred to Britannia without interruption. At the end of the 1990 summer season, Britannia withdrew from scheduled services in favor of charter flying. Orion’s former management had formed TEA UK with Belgium’s Trans European Airways; unable to base operations at Orion’s former airport, it chose nearby Birmingham.
This slim, all-metal bottle opener feels like the trusted tool you reach for when friends gather and stories start. Forged from heavy-duty stainless steel, it slides into a pocket or bartending apron without bulk, then delivers confident leverage when a cold drink needs freeing. The flat surface accepts crisp laser engraving, so names, dates, or logos stay sharp through years of use. Use it behind the home bar, at backyard tailgates, or hand one to each member of your wedding party — it’s built to take commercial-level wear while still looking clean and refined. Simple, sturdy, and ready for the next toast.
Product features
- 100% heavy-duty stainless steel resists rust and bending
- Flat surface optimized for permanent precision laser engraving
- Ergonomic all-metal grip provides strong leverage
- Slim, ultra-flat profile fits pockets and bar drawers
- Commercial-grade durability for frequent use
| One size | |
| Width, in | 5.50 |
| Height, in | 1.50 |