New Life for Retired Planes

07/29/2025

As airplanes get older and their flying days come to an end, many retire to the sunny, warm boneyards of Arizona. A select few, however, find new life, albeit on the ground rather than in the sky. These repurposed planes undergo an amazing transformation yet remain remarkably recognizable as their originally assembled self. They continue to be functional in a new way, admired by many and even serve as a source of amusement and entertainment.

Boeing 727 Hotel Suite

Hotel Costa Verde, located in Quepos, Costa Rica, is home to a vintage 1965 Boeing 727 that has been thoroughly and elegantly converted into a plush 1400 square foot suite situated 50 feet high in the jungle.

Inside the 727 Fueselage Home as it’s called, are two air conditioned bedrooms, two baths, a sitting area with flat screen tv, and a breakfast nook with kitchenette. The interior of the plane is breathtaking, with the floors, walls and all furnishings made of Indonesian teak wood.

The guest bathroom houses the original cockpit of the plane, fully intact, right down to the 2 authentic pilot seats. Possibly considered the best seat in the house, as the plane’s windows offer a panoramic view of the jungle.

Each wing of the plane supports its own hard wood deck, offering spectacular views of both the jungle and the Pacific Ocean. They also serve as front row seats for observing local wildlife such as monkeys, sloths and toucans.

Resort Restaurant and Bar

Located within the Costa Verde Resort is a 2^nd recycled plane. El Avion, is a two-level restaurant and bar that is built in, around and above a C-123 Fairchild cargo plane. There is one bar on each floor, with the one-of-a-kind El Avion Pub located inside the cargo plane.

This truly unique dining establishment serves up delectable appetizers, entrees, cocktails and coffee with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding tropical beauty. Not to mention breathtaking sunsets seen from 150 meters above the beach!

Before becoming a pub and the centerpiece of a restaurant and bar, this C-123 was one of three CIA-operated military surplus cargo planes involved in the Iran-Contra affair made famous in the mid-1980’s.

The Airplane Restaurant

Adjacent to the Radisson Hotel in Colorado Springs, CO, you will find The Airplane Restaurant, a fully intact 1953 Boeing KC-97 tanker converted into a full-service dining venue. This former flight-refueling tanker has been serving a different kind of fuel to hungry travelers since May 2002.

Total, the restaurant can accommodate up to 275 guests; 42 can be seated truly inside the historical aircraft.

In addition to a satisfying meal, visitors can enjoy a tour of aviation history through the hundreds of pictures, memorabilia and rare artifacts found inside the restaurant.

Home Sweet Airplane-Home

What may seem like a dream is reality for Joe Axline. Since August 2012, his home in Brookshire, TX has been inside the front fuselage of a retired jet airplane.

Axline’s “Project Freedom” includes the 60-foot body of a McDonnell Douglas MD-80 which he converted into a three-bedroom home. The plane/home has a living room, master bedroom, bathroom, small office space and a sleeping area for his kids. It also has amenities such as flooring, a water well and sewer system and waterproof electrical wiring.

Prior to his purchase of the MD-80, Axline bought a McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Spirit Airlines fuselage, complete with a fully restored cockpit. The original plan was to finish the DC-9 and then join the two structures.

To date, while there are two plane front ends on his property, the MD-80 is the only habitable plane so far. The DC-9 remains gutted and empty except for storing some parts from the 1^st plane. Eventually, Axline would like to renovate the 2^nd plane to include a cinema and entertainment center.

The One-And-Only Planeboat

With its wings completely removed and body joined to a planing boat hull, a once famous Boeing 307 Stratoliner has been transformed into one extraordinary houseboat. Originally owned by Howard Hughes and named “The Flying Penthouse,” the aircraft at one time featured a corner bar, spacious lounge, bunk beds, and a sizeable bathroom.

In 1964, after sustaining severe damage during Hurricane Cleo, the abandoned luxury plane was deemed no longer air worthy. Its tail and wings were cut off and the stripped-down airplane was to be sent to the junkyard. Instead, it was purchased by Ken London and converted into a rare motoryacht known as the Londonaire.

Up for sale in 1981, Dave Drimmer purchased the motoryacht and began restoring it back to its original design. He renamed the vessel Cosmic Muffin as singer Jimmy Buffet made the planeboat famous in his novel Where is Joe Merchant?

Drimmer lived on the Cosmic Muffin until 2000. He then operated it as a commercial cruiser for over 15 years. In 2016 he donated it to the Florida Air Museum where it is currently on display.

One Sweet Café

Seen flying remarkably low to State Highway 1 in Mangaweka, New Zealand, was a retired Douglas DC-3, cleverly disguised as a Cookie Time Café.

Originally built in the US between 1935 and 1946, this fixed wing, propeller-driven aircraft proved to be invaluable during WWII. Of the 10,655 DC-3’s manufactured during this time, this lucky aircraft found new life in 1986 as a local landmark sitting high on stilts, serving the most popular cookies in the area.

Later in life, the DC-3 was renovated into a historical museum. Visitors were able to climb up into the plane and get a close up look at this iconic treasure.

Unfortunately, after decades of serving as a landmark for Mangaweka, the plane had to be removed from its perch for necessary repairs. Today, the entire community anxiously awaits for the full restoration of their beloved airplane.

From Nostalgia to Modern Luxury

Aviation enthusiasts everywhere can certainly appreciate the many efforts made to conserve and repurpose these classic airplanes. They also recognize how far air travel has come from both a comfort and convenience standpoint. These impressive improvements can be seen particularly in the private charter world.

If you’re contemplating flying privately for your next trip, let Grand Aire assist you. As a leader in the air charter industry for over 35 years, our Logistics Specialists are available 24/7/365 and trained to quickly evaluate your travel needs and provide you with the best options available.