Copyright Simple Flying
Apple Camping, a UK-based company, has converted a retired Etihad Airbus A320 into a fully equipped vacation rental, which it has named "Apple Air." The converted rental is available for around $250 per night. The fuselage sleeps four, and it blends authentic aviation touches, including working cabin doors, actual trolleys, and original overhead lighting signage, with modern comforts. The aircraft includes a kitchen, Wi-Fi, heating, and a lavatory that has been refitted as a hot shower. Outside, a west-facing deck and themed seating area extend the experience. Social videos showcase the aircraft's build and interior, highlighting just how comfortable and unique the experience is. Beyond novelty, the project exemplifies the growing trend of upcycling airframes into hospitality assets, echoing high-profile jet conversions such as the Bristol-based Boeing 727. What Are The Key Developments In This Story? Apple Camping has launched "Apple Air," a converted Airbus A320 airframe that was originally sourced from Etihad Airways, with bookings currently open at around $250 per night. The unit sleeps four "passengers", with three beds and one bathroom, while retaining original aircraft elements like doors, window blinds, overhead bin lighting, branded storage, and aisle trolleys. The converted aircraft cabin also includes a full kitchen and shower, according to the Apple Camping website. The aircraft's cockpit and forward fuselage now front a glass-walled deck with blackout blinds for privacy. The site provides Wi-Fi, heating, and an outdoor "Arabian Nights" seating nook. The Airbnb is in Redberth within Pembrokeshire, amid a larger estate that also includes a UFO-shaped Airbnb. Apple Camping has promoted this unique offering in a few different ways, including through Instagram and Facebook. Third-party analysis has continued to highlight the Airbnb's Etihad origins, collection of 26 windows, and complete insulation. What Does This Offer Guests? Guests step through an original cabin door into an open-plan living space built inside the Airbus A320's fuselage. Two single berths and a convertible sofa provide three beds for four people, with new carpeting and insulation offering year-round comfort. Authentic aviation touches remain everywhere, ranging from the Airbnb's working doors, pull-down window blinds across twenty-six windows, overhead locker lighting, and original Etihad-branded stowage. Service trolleys have been reimagined to offer passengers exceptional storage. A compact and fully-equipped kitchen makes self-catering easy for guests, and a lavatory has been refitted into a modern hot-water shower, while the other functions as a fully standard toilet. The living area includes a large coffee table, comfortable couch-style seating, and a television with a variety of free entertainment options. This gives guests pretty much all the comforts of home that they could possibly want, all for the comfortable price of around $250 per night. In terms of outdoor spaces, the Airbnb features a west-facing deck with double-glazed frontage and blackout blinds opening onto a sheltered "Arabian Nights" nook that can be used by passengers for dining. Standard amenities include Wi-Fi, heating, bed linens, private bathroom facilities, and power. These round out a stay that combines novelty with practical comfort in coastal Pembrokeshire, leaning heavily into an aviation theme. Why Would Someone Build This Kind Of Airbnb In The First Place? Repurposing a retired Airbus A320 into an Airbnb is both a sustainable move but also one that has significant financial upside. Instead of scrapping a serviceable fuselage, an operator can sell it to a company that will turn it into a self-contained, weatherproof structure that offers built-in character. This cuts some material waste while avoiding the cost and time of a ground-up build. The aircraft itself is iconic, as it now fuels organic social reach and press coverage. Facebook reels slowly convert curiosity into bookings, driving profitability for the company. Uniqueness also supports premium pricing and high occupancy relative to typical Airbnb pods. The aircraft itself is a diversified piece of inventory that offers broad appeal to families and aviation fans, and it can be cross-sold alongside other themed units. Risks do remain, including those to transport and permitting. Once installed, the airframe becomes a durable, photogenic asset that offers a long shelf life and generates consistent, recurring cash flows.
