Starting Your Own Airline? Here Are 9 Former Airliners for Sale
Looking to start your own airline? Want to own a piece of aviation history? You're in luck. For as little as $325,000 you can buy your own airliner. Here are nine aircraft — from a DC-3 to a Boeing 777-200ER— available for purchase today.
Embraer EMB-120ER — $325,000
Registration: N71GL
Date built: 1988
Previously operated by: Great Lakes Airlines
While still pricey, we're starting this list with one of the most reasonable airliners available for sale online. This Embraer EMB-120ER previously flew for the now-defunct Great Lakes Airlines. Built in 1988, it has flown a whopping 50,024 hours and recorded over 52,000 flight cycles. According to the seller, the aircraft still features a flight-ready passenger cabin with 30 economy class seats and a lavatory.
Douglas DC-3 — $995,000
Registration: NC33611
Date built: 1945
Previously operated by: CBS TV Private Aircraft
Although this Douglas DC-3 is painted in one of the earliest Pan Am liveries, it never actually flew for Pan Am. Additionally, the tail number is that of a former Pan Am DC-3, but it's simply an homage to the now-defunct airline. The original NC33611 was damaged beyond repair shortly after it entered service. This particular DC-3 spent most of its time serving as the private aircraft for the American TV network CBS. It now features a luxe interior, the latest flight instruments and the stunning livery. If you've got $1 million lying around, you can own this piece of aviation history.
McDonnell-Douglas MD-87 — Price Upon Request
Registration: VP-CTF
Date built: 1989
Previously operated by: Midway Airlines, Reno Air, Spirit Airlines
Of all the aircraft on this list, this humble McDonnell-Douglas MD-87 features the most elaborate passenger cabin. Originally operated as a commercial airliner, this MD-87 has been retrofitted with a luxury interior. The cabin features numerous seating options, including plush couches that can be transformed into beds for overnight flights. It also features multiple lavatories and an expansive galley. Not only is the plane the perfect VIP transport, but it also comes with some history: It previously operated for Midway Airlines, Reno Air and Spirit Airlines. Both Midway and Reno Air have since merged with other airlines and Spirit Airlines has ditched its fleet of MD-80s for Airbus narrowbodies.
Embraer ERJ-140 — Price Upon Request
Registration: VH-ZJE
Date built: 2001
Previously operated by: JetGo Australia
Many of us actively avoid regional jets like the Embraer ERJ-140. However, this one might just change your mind. This ERJ-140 previously flew for Chautauqua Airlines, Shuttle America, and most recently the short-lived JetGo Australia. The aircraft is in great condition and features two working engines, and is still configured for commercial service.
Boeing 737-500 — $3,600,000
Registration: VP-BHA
Date built: 1992
Previously operated by: Sky Express
Available for $3.6 million, this Boeing 737-500 previously flew for the short-lived Sky Express, the first low-cost carrier based in Russia. It features 132 seats in an all-economy class layout. According to the seller, both engines are in working order. Since 1992, this 737-500 has racked up over 41,000 hours in the sky and just under 29,000 flight cycles.
Boeing 777-200ER — Price Upon Request
Registration: 5Y-KQS
Date built: 2005
Previously operated by: Kenya Airways
The seller hasn't made the price available, but one can only assume that this aircraft is the most expensive on this list. Built in 2005, this 14-year-old Boeing 777-200ER comes passenger-ready with 322 seats — 28 in business class and 294 in economy. In its 14 years, this 777-200ER has racked up just over 37,000 hours of flight time.
Airbus A321 — $9,500,000
Registration: SU-TCG
Date built: 1998
Previously operated by: Metrojet, Thomson Airways
This Airbus A321 is just 21 years old and has a clean operating history. However, engine number two on this aircraft is listed as "unserviceable." Still, this aircraft would be the ideal bird to launch your own airline as it's still configured for passenger service. Previous operators filled this A321 to the brim, operating the aircraft — which features 210 seats — in an all-economy class layout. One can only assume the legroom isn't great.
Boeing 757-200 (without engines) — $4,800,000
Registration: ET-AJX
Date built: 1991
Previously operated by: Ethiopian Airlines
For just under $5 million you can own a 28-year-old Boeing 757-200. However, there's a catch: It doesn't come with any engines. Additionally, the previous operator, Ethiopian Airlines, reconfigured it as a freighter. Based on the most recent photos posted by the seller, this Boeing 757PCF (passenger-converted-freighter) isn't in the best shape, either, so buyer beware.
Boeing 747-200 — Price Not Available
Registration: 3D-SGF
Date built: 1979
Previously operated by: Kuwait Airways, EgyptAir, Garuda Indonesia, multiple cargo carriers
Unfortunately, the price of this late 1970s Boeing 747-200 is not available online. Since all four engines appear to be included in this purchase, one can only assume that the jumbo jet isn't going for a penny under $10 million. Still, if you've got some spare change, you may want to consider it. Not only is the aircraft a few maintenance checks away from being ready to fly, but it also comes with a rich history.
It has racked up over 60,000 hours in-flight and over 17,000 flight cycles. The jumbo jet previously flew for Kuwait Airways, EgyptAir, Garuda Indonesia and Kalitta American International Airways. The most recent operators reconfigured it as a freighter, blocking all windows, adding a massive cargo door and gutting the passenger cabin.
Bottom Line
As tempting as it is to drop seven figures on an Airbus narrow-body, it may not be the most practical purchase. If you want a taste of the authentic airliner experience but can't afford a whole plane, consider buying parts from scrapped aircraft. There are multiple listings on sites like eBay, allowing you to purchase everything from old economy class seats to entire cockpits.
If the right plane for you isn't on this list, there are numerous others for sale on popular sites like Controller.com and AircraftDealer.com. But before you click Buy Now, make sure you have the best credit card for large purchases in your wallet.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.