‘Shahjehan’ Returns Air India’s Boeing 747 Model Welcomes UNESCO Delegates at Red Fort

The historic Red Fort has become the centre of global cultural discussions as it hosts the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Adding a nostalgic touch to the event is the striking model of Air India’s vintage Boeing 747 ‘Shahjehan’, placed prominently outside a newly opened gallery inside the Mughal-era complex.

Air India’s iconic Boeing 747 ‘Shahjehan’ has returned in spirit to greet delegates at UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage meet  showcased alongside 300 rare artefacts from the Maharaja Collection

While the name evokes memories of Emperor Shah Jahan, the aircraft model represents Air India’s iconic ‘Emperor’ fleet  luxurious Boeing 747s that once flew under the tagline “Your Palace in the Sky.” The model, bearing the tail number VT-EBE, stands in front of a British-era barrack that now houses treasures from Air India’s ‘Maharaja Collection’.

Nearly 300 rare objects  Chola bronzes, Mughal miniatures, kalamkari art, ancient sculptures, contemporary paintings and vintage Air India posters  have been curated by the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) for display in two restored 19th-century barracks, A1 and A2.

Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal said four new galleries have been created inside the fort complex for the UNESCO meet. These include the Air India artefact galleries, an arms and armour gallery curated by the National Museum, and a gallery featuring objects excavated from the Red Fort itself.

The ‘Shahjehan’ model, with its traditional jharokha-style window design and red-white livery, has become a crowd favourite among international delegates. Originally part of Air India's fleet in 1971, the aircraft symbolised the airline’s global prestige during the JRD Tata era.

Curator Jyoti Tokas said many of the displayed objects once adorned Air India’s international offices as a showcase of India’s cultural soft power. The collection was acquired in 2024 and transported to the Red Fort last year. The decision to exhibit it during the UNESCO ICH session was taken three months ago.

The Red Fort, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most visited monuments. In recent years, several thematic galleries on the 1857 revolt, freedom struggle, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the INA have also been added.

Walid Al Halani, a delegate from the UAE, praised India’s efforts to preserve cultural memories amid rapid global urbanisation. “Safeguarding the soul of a place is essential before it’s too late,” he said.

The ICH session, being held from December 8–13, marks the first time India is hosting this major UNESCO event.