When Del Boy uses the term 'Maxwell Pension money' he is referring to the scandal shortly after Mirror Group Newspaper's owner Sir Robert Maxwell's death that he had stolen £460 million from his employees pension scheme to prop up his failing company. As Maxwell had died on November 5th 1991 and the theft only came to light shortly after his death, this shows that the reference was added at the last minute during filming as this episode was broadcast on December 24th 1991, about 6 weeks after the story broke.
Because cast and crew were booked on Virgin Atlantic, Richard Branson wanted a cameo in the episode. David Jason said he was a great publicist, and a charming man, but not among the world's greatest actors. Jason assumed he would get free rides and regular upgrades after that but nothing came of it.
This two part Christmas special also marked the tenth anniversary of the show.
In an earlier episode, it's revealed that Rodney is ineligible for an Australian visa due to his previous Drug Conviction. This charge would also prevent him from entering the US.