When the iconic 747-400 arrives at any airport, it always gathers attention, but when that airplane is covered with Iron Maiden's logo and distinctive mascot, Eddie, it causes quite the stir for plane spotters and music fans alike.

Iron Maiden's 747-400, known as Ed Force One, is traveling the globe in support of the band's Book of Souls world tour. And at the controls in the left seat: none other than Iron Maiden's lead singer Bruce Dickinson, who is also the chairman of Cardiff Aviation, an aviation maintenance and pilot training company in South Wales, United Kingdom.

"This machine enables us to do a European itinerary on an intercontinental basis - it's our time machine, it's our magic carpet," Dickinson said.

Dickinson returned the airplane to the factory where it was built, with a special stopover in Everett, Wash. to talk with Boeing employees, and showcase how he is using the airplane they built. "It's a great machine," he said. "This is the way to cause a fuss when you arrive."

Contributed by Boeing