5 of the World’s Biggest Airplane Graveyards: Where Planes Go to Rest

Airplane graveyards, also known as aircraft boneyards, are fascinating places in the world of aviation. These massive, often remote, areas store thousands of decommissioned aircraft. They range from iconic Boeing 747s to military jets. These boneyards are where planes go after they’ve reached the end of their operational lives. Aircraft here are preserved, recycled, or sometimes even returned to service.

In this article, we explore five of the largest airplane graveyards, their history, locations, and how they contribute to the aviation industry.

1. The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) – Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona

The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, is the largest airplane graveyard in the world. Known as “The Boneyard,” this facility spans over 2,600 acres and holds more than 4,400 aircraft. The Sonoran Desert‘s dry climate helps preserve the planes, preventing rust and corrosion.

A Brief History of AMARG

AMARG started after World War II, when the U.S. military needed to store surplus aircraft. Over time, it became a storage and maintenance hub for a wide range of military aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, cargo planes, and helicopters.

What Happens to the Aircraft?

Once an aircraft reaches AMARG, it goes through a preservation process. Workers clean the plane, remove hazardous materials, and cover it with protective coatings. The aircraft are then stored in rows across the desert.

The planes have different fates:

• Reuse: Some aircraft are upgraded and returned to active service.
• Parts Reclamation: Workers remove valuable parts, like engines and avionics, for use in other aircraft.
• Recycling: When a plane is beyond use, it is scrapped and its materials recycled.

Guided tours are available through the Pima Air & Space Museum, giving visitors a close-up view of the military aircraft collection.

Want to learn more about preserving military planes? Check out our in-depth article on aerial refueling.

2. Mojave Air and Space Port – Mojave Desert, California

The Mojave Air and Space Port in California’s Mojave Desert is another iconic airplane graveyard. Besides storing retired aircraft, it also serves as a spaceport, making it a hub for aviation history and aerospace innovation.

A History of Aviation and Space Innovation

Established in 1935, the Mojave Air and Space Port started as a rural airport. During World War II, it trained military pilots. After the war, it expanded to store decommissioned commercial aircraft. Today, it is also a testing ground for private aerospace companies.

The dry desert climate helps preserve the aircraft stored here. Commercial airliners, such as Boeing 747s and regional jets, often remain here for extended periods, especially when industry demand drops.

A Hub for Aerospace Companies

Apart from being a boneyard, the Mojave Air and Space Port is known for its role in commercial spaceflight. Companies like Virgin Galactic and Scaled Composites use the facility to test their aerospace vehicles. This makes the port a focal point for the future of space tourism and aerospace development.

The Mojave facility holds planes from airlines like FedEx, Delta, and American Airlines, which store excess planes here during industry downturns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The facility isn’t open for self-guided tours, but visitors can view parked aircraft from public areas nearby.

For more on aviation technology, read our article on sustainable aviation fuel.

3. Southern California Logistics Airport – Victorville, California

The Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA) in Victorville is another significant airplane graveyard. Located about 90 miles from Los Angeles, this facility serves as a storage and maintenance hub for retired commercial aircraft.

From Military Base to Aircraft Storage Hub

Originally called George Air Force Base, the Victorville facility transitioned to civilian use in the early 1990s. SCLA now serves as one of the largest storage centers for commercial jets in the U.S.

The dry desert climate makes it ideal for long-term storage, as it prevents rust and helps preserve the planes’ structure.

Role During the COVID-19 Pandemic

SCLA played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic when airlines grounded many of their planes. The airport stored hundreds of aircraft from airlines like British Airways, Qantas, and Lufthansa. Planes such as Boeing 747s and Airbus A340s filled the long rows on the tarmac.

Aircraft Recycling and Maintenance

Many planes stored at SCLA undergo recycling and parts reclamation. Technicians remove engines, landing gear, and other components for reuse, while the rest of the aircraft is scrapped. SCLA also provides maintenance services, including aircraft painting and refurbishment.

Want more details about the technology behind modern planes? Check out our in-depth look at the Boeing 737 MAX.

4. Alice Springs Aircraft Storage Facility – Alice Springs, Australia

In the Northern Territory of Australia lies the Alice Springs Aircraft Storage Facility (ASASF). This is the largest airplane graveyard in the Asia-Pacific region, offering storage for aircraft from airlines around the globe.

A Growing Facility

Opened in 2011, the Alice Springs facility rapidly expanded to meet the needs of commercial airlines. The dry, arid climate of Alice Springs makes it perfect for long-term aircraft storage, preventing damage from humidity.

Increased Demand During the Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ASASF saw a spike in demand, as airlines worldwide sought to store their surplus aircraft. Carriers like Singapore Airlines, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific parked large aircraft here, including Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.

ASASF’s ability to handle large, long-haul aircraft made it a key player, particularly as U.S. boneyards reached capacity.

For more on the history of wide-body aircraft, explore our article on the rise and fall of the Airbus A380.

5. Teruel Airport – Teruel, Spain

In Europe, Teruel Airport in Spain has become a leading airplane graveyard. Located in the Aragon region, it provides a cost-effective storage solution for European airlines and manufacturers.

From Regional Airfield to Storage Hub

Teruel Airport was initially developed as a regional airfield. However, after the financial crisis of 2008, it expanded to become one of Europe’s largest aircraft storage facilities. The dry climate in Aragon makes it ideal for preserving aircraft. Airlines like Iberia, Air France, and British Airways store planes here.

A Leader in Aircraft Recycling

Besides storage, Teruel also excels in aircraft recycling. When planes are no longer useful, they are dismantled and recycled. The facility focuses on environmentally friendly practices, reducing waste while recovering valuable parts.

For more on aviation sustainability, explore our detailed article on sustainable aviation fuel.

Conclusion: The Role of Airplane Graveyards in Aviation

Airplane graveyards play a key role in the aviation industry. They provide storage for decommissioned planes, serve as recycling centers for reusable parts, and help preserve historic aircraft. From the vast deserts of Arizona to Spain’s Teruel Airport, these boneyards offer a look into the lifecycle of an aircraft.

Understanding their operations sheds light on the environmental and logistical challenges of managing aging fleets. As aviation evolves, airplane graveyards remain critical for sustainability, aircraft maintenance, and recycling.