Brothers Aim to Convert the Abandoned Jet Into an Educational Tool

Two brothers from El Paso, Texas, recently spent $10,000 to buy an abandoned Boeing 727 jet at auction. The greater part of the spending will go towards converting the nearly 60-year-old plane into an educational tool - or what the duo is calling a “Hangar Hangout.”

The 59-year-old airframe had been sitting idle for nearly two decades in a hangar at El Paso International Airport (ELP) before the city put it up for sale. Its starting auction price was set at merely $1,000, allowing a lucky duo to bring it home for $10,000.

The winning bidders, Ismael Lara and his brother, are no strangers to ambitious refurbishment projects. Their past ventures have included converting a defunct barbershop and school buses into usable spaces. But this is their largest endeavor yet, aiming to completely transform the abandoned aircraft into a public-facing exhibit called “Hangar Hangout.”

“I really want it to be an attraction, like a destination for anybody traveling through,” Lara said. “It’s more like a passion project if you think about it because it’s cool as heck.”

Originally operated as a commercial jet and later used by US Marshals to transport prisoners, the 727 had fallen into disrepair after its last owner, Blue Falcon Corp, defaulted on hangar payments. The Lara brothers were drawn to the plane’s unique history and size.

While the purchase price was modest, moving and restoration costs are expected to balloon to $250,000 or more. Dismantling the aircraft required cranes, trucks, and a full crew. Then came the surprise: seven auxiliary tanks, still filled with 20-year-old jet fuel. Since the fuel had aged into hazardous waste, disposal came at $9 per gallon, smacking the brothers with a $25,000 defueling bill.

Despite the setbacks, the duo remains enthusiastic. Plans include refurbishing the interior with immersive aviation-themed displays, LED lighting, and artist-designed murals. Outside, food trucks and public art could round out the venue. Lara hopes the plane will draw travelers off the interstate and into El Paso, offering both entertainment and education.

As for why they took on the project, Lara’s answer is simple: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Or in this case, one city’s fuel-filled liability could become the most intriguing classroom in West Texas.

FMI: https://elpasointernationalairport.com