Braniff signs multi-year watch licensing deal with Solar Time

By AI, Created 10:55 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Braniff International has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Hong Kong-based Solar Time Ltd. to launch Braniff-branded timepieces inspired by the airline’s mid-century design era, with distribution set to begin by March 2027. The deal extends Braniff’s brand into watches sold through AVI-8 channels and Braniff’s own boutique.

Why it matters: - The deal gives Braniff International a new consumer product line tied to its historic airline identity. - Solar Time Ltd. gets worldwide rights, excluding sanctioned regions, to manufacture and distribute Braniff watches. - The collection is aimed at aviation enthusiasts and style-focused collectors. - Braniff is using the licensing agreement to turn brand heritage into retail revenue.

What happened: - Braniff International signed a new multi-year licensing agreement with Hong Kong-based Solar Time Ltd. - The partnership will debut Braniff-branded timepieces built around Braniff’s mid-century design legacy. - Distribution is scheduled to begin no later than Mar. 1, 2027. - The agreement runs through Mar. 31, 2029.

The details: - Solar Time will use its AVI-8 brand to produce watches inspired by Braniff’s “End of the Plain Plane” era. - The timepieces will draw on historical Braniff aircraft, colors and logos. - Braniff branding will appear on the dials, case backs and packaging. - Jet-set style will also appear on the card backs and packaging. - Sales will run through direct-to-consumer channels, including AVI-8.com, and the official Braniff Boutique. - Braniff customers can access AVI-8 through the company’s website link. - Collin L. Ice, COO of Braniff International, said the partnership will bring Braniff’s history to collectors worldwide. - Ice said Solar Time’s licensing track record and aviation focus made the company a strong fit for the project. - Solar Time Ltd. was founded in 1977. - Solar Time is a vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor of watches. - Solar Time’s brand portfolio includes AVI-8, Spinnaker and Thomas Earnshaw. - Solar Time describes its approach as “digital-first.”

Between the lines: - Braniff continues to monetize its heritage through licensing rather than traditional airline operations. - The use of AVI-8 suggests Solar Time is pairing Braniff’s nostalgia value with an existing aviation watch platform. - The worldwide rights point to a broad retail push, while the sanctions carveout limits where products can be sold.

What’s next: - Solar Time and Braniff are expected to finalize and roll out the first products before the March 2027 distribution deadline. - The companies will likely market the collection through e-commerce and Braniff-owned retail channels. - Braniff says the broader brand portfolio continues to be managed through licensing and related retail businesses.

The bottom line: - Braniff is extending its aviation legacy into watches, and Solar Time is getting a globally licensed heritage brand to expand its product line.