These guys saved an Emirates Airbus A320 from retirement and turned it into the most stunning Airbnb
Published on Nov 09, 2025 at 9:35 AM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Nov 09, 2025 at 9:35 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
These guys saved an Emirates Airbus A320 from retirement and turned it into a unique Airbnb hidden deep in the countryside of Wales, UK.
Once a high-flying commercial jet, it’s now permanently parked as one of the world’s coolest places to stay.
The aircraft, now called the Jet Star, sits proudly on a lush green field at Apple Camping in South Wales.
And inside, it still feels every bit as luxurious as it did at 30,000 feet.
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A first-class stay on solid ground
This Welshman Toby Rush-Davis, has turned his passion for aviation and airplanes into a one-of-a-kind glamping experience that lets guests live out their pilot dreams.
His Airbnb is an Emirates Airbus A320 that retains its original cockpit, complete with working controls where you can sit in the captain’s chair and pretend to take off – and even wear a pilot’s hat and aviators.
There’s a cosy double bedroom, private entrance, and plush leather seats that make you forget you’re in the middle of the countryside.
It’s part luxury hotel, part flight simulator, but completely cool.
Every detail pays tribute to the aircraft’s past life while creating something fresh and exciting on the ground.
Emirates Airbus A320 or stunning Airbnb?
The best part is that this plane was upcycled instead of scrapped, making it as eco-friendly as it is imaginative.
Toby rescued the fuselage before it was destroyed and repurposed it into a sustainable stay that’s built to last for generations.
He’s also planted nearly 1,000 trees on the property, turning Apple Camping into an environmental success story as much as a creative one.
For around $125 (£95) a night, you can relax in a first-class seat, watch the sunset from the cockpit, and sleep knowing your stay helped save a piece of aviation history.
You can also even stay in a flying saucer Airbnb on the site and be a Martian for a night.
This repurposed plane is proof that with enough imagination, even a retired jet can still soar.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
