Imagine stumbling upon a piece of aviation history a massive Boeing 727 jetliner, once used to transport federal prisoners across the country, sitting forgotten in a hangar for nearly two decades. Then, picture it going up for auction for a starting bid of just $1,000, eventually selling for around $10,000 to local entrepreneurs with big dreams. This isn’t a Hollywood script; it’s the real story of the Boeing 727 N113, abandoned at El Paso International Airport in Texas.
As an aviation enthusiast with years of experience tracking aircraft sales, restorations, and repurposing projects, I’ve seen my share of forgotten planes find new purposes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the plane’s storied past, the auction details, the buyers’ ambitious plans, and what it all means for anyone curious about abandoned aircraft auctions. Whether you’re an aviation buff, a potential buyer, or just intrigued by this unique tale, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
The Boeing 727 is an iconic trijet airliner, renowned for its versatility and role in revolutionizing commercial aviation during the 1960s and 1970s. But the specific aircraft at the center of this story, serial number (MSN) 18935, has a history that’s equal parts routine and remarkable. Built in 1966 as a Boeing 727-30 model, this short-fuselage variant was designed for shorter routes and featured the signature rear airstairs that made it famous (or infamous, thanks to the D.B. Cooper hijacking in 1971).
Rolling off the assembly line in Renton, Washington, the N113 began its life in commercial service. Early records show it operated under various registrations, including VR-CBA for private owner Mubarak Al Hassaw in 1982, before transitioning to N18G under Aviation Enterprises in 1987. By 1988, it was acquired by the United States Marshals Service (USMS), marking the start of its most intriguing chapter. This plane wasn’t ferrying vacationers to sunny destinations; it was part of the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS), colloquially known as “Con Air” after the 1997 Nicolas Cage film—though this particular jet wasn’t used in the movie itself.
In my experience following JPATS operations, these aircraft were workhorses, modified for secure prisoner transport with reinforced cabins, minimal comforts, and enhanced security features. The 727’s ability to operate from shorter runways made it ideal for accessing remote facilities. Over the years, N113 logged thousands of hours shuttling inmates between federal prisons, courthouses, and deportation centers, embodying a gritty side of aviation history rarely discussed in enthusiast circles.
By the early 2000s, as newer aircraft like the Boeing 737 took over JPATS duties, the N113 was surplus. In July 2005, it was sold at a government auction to Blue Falcon Corporation, a company founded by aviation pioneers David Paul Tokoph and his brother Gary. David, a seasoned pilot with a history of founding airlines like Aero Zambia and Interair South Africa, had ambitious plans—possibly to repurpose or operate the jet. However, records indicate it never flew under Blue Falcon’s ownership. Instead, it was parked at El Paso International Airport (ELP), where the company paid storage fees to keep it hangar-bound.
Tragedy struck in 2015 when David Tokoph perished in a crash involving a vintage Navy aircraft near Las Cruces, New Mexico. With his passing, payments to the airport ceased, and the plane sat idle, slowly deteriorating. Exposed to El Paso’s harsh desert climate—scorching summers, occasional snow, and relentless dust—the aircraft became gutted, with seats, avionics, and other internals removed or stripped over time. By 2021, the City of El Paso initiated legal proceedings to declare it abandoned property, paving the way for its eventual auction.
El Paso International Airport, a bustling hub in West Texas handling over 3 million passengers annually, isn’t typically known for housing derelict aircraft. However, like many airports, it deals with abandoned planes from bankrupt operators or deceased owners. In this case, the N113’s abandonment stemmed from a perfect storm of factors:
Over nearly 20 years, the plane became a local curiosity, occasionally drawing aviation photographers and enthusiasts. Airport staff even used parts for training, further stripping it down.
In December 2024, the City of El Paso listed the Boeing 727 on GovDeals.com, an online platform for government surplus auctions. This move aligned with standard procedures for disposing of abandoned assets, similar to how municipalities sell seized vehicles or equipment.
From my expertise in aircraft auctions, these sales attract a mix of scrappers, restorers, and dreamers. Here, the low price reflected the massive logistics challenge—moving a 150-foot-long, 70,000-pound jet isn’t cheap. [DATA SOURCE: GovDeals Auction Listing Archive]
The winning bidders were local El Paso brothers Ismael and John Lara. Ismael, a 40-year-old educational consultant specializing in STEM curricula, and John, an assistant principal, aren’t aviation moguls but community-minded entrepreneurs. They outbid competitors by just $20, seeing potential beyond scrap.
Their initial motivation? Turning the plane into a public attraction. Ideas floated include:
They’ve ruled out a restaurant or bar due to zoning and costs but are open to crowdfunding once reassembly begins. Ismael’s brother Frank is even documenting the process for a potential documentary.
Post-auction, the real work began. By May 2025, crews from Sol Contractors disassembled the plane in an airport hangar:
Costs soared beyond the $10,000 purchase: Over $100,000 for dismantling and moving, plus a loan to cover expenses. To offset, they sold scrap metals. Challenges included engineering surprises—like hidden structural complexities—and the physical toll of working in a “scrap yard” hangar.
By September 2025, the pieces arrived at the Laras’ one-acre property in far East El Paso, about 14 miles from the airport. They’re now digging foundations for a concrete base to reassemble the fuselage, aiming for stability against desert winds.
As of late 2025, the N113 is in pieces but on track for rebirth. The cockpit has been donated to an Ohio trade school, while the main body awaits reconstruction. The Laras hope to open it to the public by 2026, fostering community engagement through aviation-themed events. Airport officials are relieved, freeing up hangar space for active use.
If you’re inspired, follow their progress on social media or consider similar projects—repurposed planes often become glamping sites, museums, or even homes. [EXTERNAL LINK: El Paso Matters Updates]
Drawing from my hands-on experience advising on aircraft acquisitions, here’s what aspiring buyers should know:
[DATA SOURCE: FAA Abandoned Aircraft Guidelines]
This isn’t unique—the aviation world is dotted with forgotten birds:
Lessons? Always plan for the “after” – the Lara brothers’ story shows perseverance turns liabilities into assets.
It served as a prisoner transport plane for the U.S. Marshals Service in the JPATS “Con Air” system.
It sold for $10,132 in January 2025 after starting at $1,000.
Local brothers Ismael and John Lara purchased it for repurposing into a community attraction.
No; it was dismantled and moved to private property in East El Paso by September 2025.
Yes, through government auctions, but expect high costs for removal and restoration.
The owners aim to reassemble it as a STEM education site and event space.
No, but it was part of the real “Con Air” prisoner transport program.
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