visit plane graveyard uk

Cotswold Airport Airplane Storage Facility in the U.K.

Royal Air Force Kemble was constructed during the third phase of the RAF’s expansion plan, which concentrated on training and maintenance bases. Work started in August of 1936 when contractors began clearing the site in preparation to receive aircraft the following year for storage.

The Royal Air Force Kemble finally closed with a ceremony that involved the Red Arrows returning to their old base. In the hangars on Main Site only a few aircraft remained. All military flying ceased at Kemble Airfield in March of 1993

In September of 2009 Kemble changed its name to Cotswold Airport  to reflect its ever expanding facility, services and position in the European market.

Today, Cotswold Airport (EGBP) is a very busy airport for microlights, general aviation, airliner maintenance and reclamation, helicopters, and corporate/business aircraft.

The airport is situated seven miles to the southwest of the old Roman town of Cirencester. It is conveniently located with approximately an hour and thirty minutes drive in to London with an excellent link road to the M4.  There is also a regular train service from Kemble Station in the village straight in to Paddington Station which takes around one hour twenty minutes.

Cotswold Airport's long runway and ample parking areas ensure it can accept many different types of large airliner aircraft for storage, maintenance or parting out.  It is a CAA licensed (and therefore regulated) aerodrome and Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) with a Flight Information Service (AFIS). It operates asphalt runway 08/26 which is 1,973m in length. A grass runway is also available.

For more information, visit the website of the airport at www.CotswoldAirport.com or phone +44 (0) 1285 771177 

Air Salvage International (ASI) at  the Cotswold Airport

Air Salvage International (ASI) is one of Europe’s leading airliner storage and maintenance facilities. At Cotswold Airport, its environmentally compliant fixed base, it has secure parking for in excess of 20 wide and up to 50 narrow-bodied commercial aircraft.

ASI is a market leader in delivering professional disassembly services to the global aviation industry with almost two decades of experience.

Its services span a broad spectrum, including storage & line maintenance, end-of-life asset management, incident recovery, airframe disassembly & rebuild, cabin adaptation, and more.

It is located at Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6BA, United Kingdom.

For more information, visit the website of the airport at Air Salvage International (ASI) or phone +44 (0) 1285 771 363

Interactive Map of the Cotswold Airport Area

More Information and Current Inventory at Cotswold Airport

If you are in need of spotting info for Cotswold, we highly recommend a visit to the Cotswold Airport Spotting website . The website provides sighting locations, latest aircraft sightings, spotter tools, photos, exhibits, articles, important web links, and more information!

For a current list of aircraft in storage at Cotswold, visit to the AirportSpotting.com website .

Map of locations of airplane boneyards and storage facilities around the world

Where airliners go to die ... and be recycled.

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Copyright © 2024 AirplaneBoneyards.com  All Rights Reserved. An online resource about facilities engaged in the storage, reclamation & disassembly of aircraft ... we do not own or operate a boneyard, or have an affiliation with any boneyard, the Department of Defense, or any aviation museum or tour group.

• The Airplane Graveyard: Exploring the Mysteries and Stories of Retired Aircraft
• Date : 10th September, 2023
• Time : 5 Min Read
• Aeroplane Spotter

A fascinating and enigmatic area that provides a view into the history of aviation and the tales behind retired planes is the world of aircraft graveyards, often known as an aircraft boneyard. Airplane graveyards, or storage sites for retired airplanes, are located all over the world. Let's investigate the history and mystery behind these retired planes.

UK Aeroplane Graveyards

Cotswold airport, gloucestershire.

The United Kingdom has its share of airplane graveyards, each with its own unique history and collection of aircraft. One such location is Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire, which serves as a storage and recycling facility for various types of aircraft, including commercial jets and military planes. The airport is known for its eco-friendly approach to dismantling aircraft, aiming to recycle as much as possible.

RAF Shawbury, Shropshire

Another noteworthy site is RAF Shawbury in Shropshire, primarily used by the Royal Air Force for storing out-of-service helicopters. The site is not generally open to the public, but it occasionally hosts open days where aviation enthusiasts can explore the collection.

MOD Saint Athan, Wales

In Wales, the MOD Saint Athan is a significant site for aircraft storage and maintenance. It has served as a resting place for various military aircraft, including Tornadoes and Harriers. The facility also provides guided tours, offering a rare glimpse into the world of aircraft retirement and recycling.

American Airplane Graveyards

Davis-monthan air force base, arizona.

The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona, is a well-known aircraft graveyard. Thousands of military planes, including bombers, transport planes, and fighter jets, are stored here. Tucson's arid desert environment is perfect for storing airplanes because it prevents corrosion and maintains the planes in pristine condition.

Mojave Desert, California

The Mojave Desert in California is home to another well-known airplane graveyard. Hundreds of retired commercial planes from well-known airlines including American, Delta, and United are stored here. Some planes are sold for scrap metal, while others are made into private airplanes or utilised as spare components.

Victorville, California

Victorville, California, provides another interesting look into the world of retired planes. Hundreds of planes, including military planes, retired space shuttles, and passenger planes, call this location home. Some of the airplanes in Victorville have been abandoned in the desert while others are utilized as spare parts or as private jet conversions.

Iconic Retired Planes

The Concorde supersonic jet is one of the most fascinating characters in the history of airplane graveyards. The planes were grounded after the catastrophic loss of an Air France Concorde in 2000, and the entire fleet was retired in 2003. The Brooklands Museum in Surrey, UK today houses one of the retired Concorde's as a museum display.

In conclusion, airplane graveyards provide a window into the intriguing world of retired airplanes and the tales behind them. These boneyards are full of secrets and untold stories, from historic military planes to retired commercial planes awaiting their demise. Exploring airplane graveyards is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everyone interested in aviation or simply inquisitive about this fascinating topic.

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The rules if you want to go and see Boeing 747s at Cotswold Airport

Bosses at the former Kemble Airfield have said it is not a 'leisure facility space for learning to drive, walk dogs or play sports' but the site is open to visitors

• 13:21, 5 AUG 2020

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The bosses at the Gloucestershire airfield being used to store and scrap Boeing 747s and large passenger planes have clarified the rules for visitors.

Pictures of British Airways and Corsair passenger jets parked up at Cotswold Airport outside Kemble have been cropping up on social media, as the site becomes a plane graveyard for retired aircraft.

And with the news that British Airways are retiring all their famous 747 fleet there's a chance more of the Queen of the Skies planes could arrive at the airfield, which started life as RAF Kemble. A growing number of large passenger jets are currently being stored or scrapped at the airfield on the Gloucestershire / Wiltshire border including the last three Corsair 747s which arrived from a France last month. Air Salvage International, based at the site, are experts in taking apart the aircraft and reusing the parts.

But after bosses at Cotswold Airport spotted people sneaking in closed entrances on CCTV, they've moved to clarify the rules for visitors.

The which sits between the A429 and the A433 has been open to the public since the beginning of July and you can visit Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm.

But staff have warned visitors 'don't try to sneak through the gates' as they will be caught by CCTV.

They've also said the historic site should not be treated as a "leisure facility,space for learning to drive, walk dogs or play sports" - which means no wandering over the runway or into restricted zones. The airfield is privately owned and home to several business and public access is restricted.

The AV8 Restaurant is not presently open, instead there is a burger van open for customers. Although seating space is limited as much of it reserved for pilots who are in between flights, a reminder that the site is an active airfield.

This guidance was all laid out in a statement on the airport's Facebook page.

It said: "I thought I'd just do a quick post to answer some of the re-occurring questions we get.

"We are open Tuesday to Saturday 9am-5pm local to both Pilots and those wishing to watch the planes.

"Our restaurant is not yet open, but our staff have opened the burger van to provide food and drinks, but seating space is limited. For this reason, seating is reserved for pilots needing a seat to plan their next leg or return flight and for AV8 customers to sit and enjoy a delicious burger.

"The airport (and access gates) is closed on Sundays and Mondays to non based pilots and the public. Our based aircraft will still operate on these days. For your safety, please, don't try in sneak in through the gates, so many have been recorded on CCTV doing so.

"Please note, this is a very active airport on privately owned land. Whilst we encourage visitors to come and watch the aircraft, it is NOT a leisure facility, space for learning to drive, walk dogs or play sports."

Most of the 747s parked at Kemble can be seen from the A429 side of the airfield, the British Airways trio which landed in April are in various locations across the site.

The planes which made the short flight from Heathrow to Gloucestershire/ Wiltshire in April (the planes cross the county border as they land at Kemble) were the following:

In July the final 747 from the Corsair fleet arrived in Gloucestershire , there is also a pair of Air Atlanta Icelandic / Saudia Air 747s which landed in May

Built as RAF Kemble, Cotswold Airport has previously hosted F1 testing, airshows and even a few episodes of Top Gear. It was also home to the Red Arrows until 1983. Today it operates as a commercial airport, with several flying schools and its own restaurant Av8 which is based next to the control tower.

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How to See the Remarkable Arizona Plane Graveyard (Tucson Boneyard) – Updated for 2024

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Last Updated on May 17, 2024

INSIDE: The Arizona Plane Graveyard (Tucson Boneyard) no longer offers on-base tours. How to see the planes using nearby roads – NEW for 2024!

A few years ago we took a tour of the Arizona airplane graveyard–also known as the Tucson “Boneyard.” It was an awesome way to see the place where over 3,000 surplus military aircraft are stored. Then in early 2020 COVID hit and tours were stopped. We waited, and waited, and waited for tours to resume . . . but 4 years later it looks like it’s not gonna happen. 🙁

Fortunately there are still ways to see the planes without going onto the military base where they’re located.

You just have to know where to look . . .

. . . And you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you all about it.

The Arizona plane graveyard is a must-visit site for anyone who loves aircraft (that’s us! ✋). Learn about this amazing place, and how you can see “the Boneyard,” as it’s unofficially known− even if you can’t get on base . Visiting the Boneyard is one of the truly unique things to do in Tucson -there’s nothing else like it. Anywhere.

Click Here to see Table of Contents ➤

What, exactly, IS the Arizona Plane Graveyard?

“The Boneyard” is officially known as the 309th AMARG Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (military-speak for a really cool airplane junkyard Tucson Az).

It’s located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base , on the southeastern edge of Tucson, where it is the final resting place of more than 3,000 aircraft.

AMARG is the world’s largest salvage yard (minus the snarling dogs). And, since those planes−and their respective parts−still have some use, don’t call it an “airplane JUNKyard Tucson AZ.” ‘Cause that would be just plain disrespectful to those retired sunbathing beauties.

The aircraft are lined up in rows set up with military precision, stacked so closely together that from above their wings look like they are holding hands with each other, a sharp contrast to their former roles.

It’s a starkly beautiful setting as, throughout the day, the silver fuselages reflect changing colors of the Rincon Mountains to the east.

Why is there a Plane Graveyard Arizona in Tucson?

The military has a problem. It has thousands of aircraft that are no longer being used, but they don’t want to just send them to the scrapyard like a used ’92 Chevy. So what to do?

It would be impractical to build giant hangars for 3,000+ aircraft, especially when many of them are no longer operational. How about sending them into semi-permanent outdoor storage?

The Sonoran Desert of Arizona provides the perfect location, where the arid climate prevents rust . So now theres a Tucson Arizona aircraft graveyard.

Despite its moniker, the “Boneyard” is not a place merely to stockpile airplanes in eternal rest. Some have been mothballed for spare parts and potential future activation.

In 2015 a B-52 bomber old enough to qualify for AARP membership was restored and returned to flying condition (those things are solid ! 💪).

Though the Cold War may have ended, the men and women deployed at the Arizona plane graveyard are on constant alert for any future chills in relations between the superpowers.

Can you tour the Tucson Airplane Graveyard?

Unfortunately, NO . Due to their placement on an active military base, tours are not offered of the airplane Boneyard Arizona. (They once were, it’s true, but those days are past, and we civilians have to accept that. 🫤)

BUT . . . it’s kind of difficult to tuck 3,000+ aircraft out of sight, so you CAN see them. You just have to know where to look.

The amount of hardware on display is striking. Some of the planes look ready to take off while others are partially salvaged, as if turkey vultures soaring overhead have been picking them clean.

Where is the Airplane Boneyard Arizona?

Fear not, we’ll give you a rundown below. But first, we’ll start with a general overview map:

In the map above shows the Arizona plane graveyard at a high-level view. This gives you some context of where the Boneyard is with respect to downtown Tucson (which is to the northwest).

Also note Tucson International Airport to the southwest. You can see that commercial airport is less than half the size of the aviation graveyard Arizona! (You need a LOT of space to store over 3,000 planes! ✈️✈️✈️)

Best Places for Planespotting at the Airplane Boneyard Arizona

The best place to see planes is on the northern perimeter of the Tucson airplane graveyard. Additionally, there are a few other places you can spot the aircraft, however they may be little more than fleeting glimpses.

Here’s a more detailed map showing the best viewing spots:

1. Escalante Road (northern perimeter): Viewing rating-10/10; Photo rating 10/10

There are a few reasons the viewing the aviation graveyard Arizona from Escalante Road is so good:

• You’re as close to the aircraft as you might be driving on base (which I remember from my on-base tour years back)
• There’s plenty of room to park, so you can take your time and ogle to your heart’s content. (Yeah, so I totally did that.)
• You are level with the planes, with no obstructions to viewing
• Lots of time to take all the photos you want

NOTE: You do need to be strategic with your camera lens, so you don’t see chain link fencing in your shot−unless you want to get “artsy.” 🤔

In the photo above, I put my camera lens (from my iPhone) in juuuuuust the right spot, up against the fence. So it looks like I’m standing smack-dab on base of the airplane boneyard Arizona.

Then, I opted for the artsy bit, with the chain-link fencing in the foreground. This demostrates just how close you can actually get to the planes! Plus I think it’s kind of cool the way the fencing creates its own frame.

As I mentioned above, there’s plenty of parking along the fence here, so you’ll be able to take all the time you like ogling the aircraft. Here’s a panoramic view of what the road/parking area/boneyard looks like:

2. E. Irvington Road (northern perimeter): Viewing rating: 8/10; Photo rating: 9/10

Slightly farther east, and a little to the south, you’ll find the northern perimeter of the aviation graveyard Arizona along East Irvington Road. Viewing is very good here, although not quite as good as Escalante Rd (above).

A few points to consider when viewing planes along E. Irvington Rd:

• The aircraft are fairly close
• There is an ample parking area
• You can take as much time as you like looking at (and photographing) the aircraft
• There is a small berm , partially obstructing the aircraft

This last point is why I only give the viewing here an 8/10 instead of 10/10. There is one area where there’s a break in the berm, however this also coincides with a wash. So if it has rained recently (such was the case when I last visited) you’ll be trudging through a big ol’ mud puddle at this spot.

All of that being said, there are still some darned good views along this area, including this one (below), where there’s a slight rise above the berm: 👇👇👇

I love this view of the tail fins all lined up, with the Santa Rita Mountains in the background. It’s hard to imagine these beauties are part of any type of aviation graveyard Arizona! (And isn’t that lone plane in U.S. Coast Guard red livery just stunning ?!)

Here’s a view along the E. Irvington Rd. fence line, to give you an idea of the terrain. You can see the berm (through the fence) as well as the slight incline on the left of the photo. This is where you can get a better view of those gorgeous tailfins 😊.

3. East Valencia Road (southern perimeter): Viewing: 3/10; Photos 3/10

The aircraft of the Arizona plane graveyard are not stored as near to the southern perimeter as they are on the northern side. A few things to keep in mind when driving along the southern side of the boneyard:

• The planes are a farther distance from the perimeter than the northern side
• Much of the roadway has creosote bushes and other vegetation obstructing your view
• There is nowhere to park

This last issue is perhaps the most critical. Unless you have someone else driving, it will be difficult to crane your neck to see the planes. (And probably unsafe as well.) It will also be impossible to photograph anything.

However, if you DO have someone else driving, here’s a map showing where you can see the planes:

Since my husband was doing the driving, I was, fortunately able to get a photo from E. Valencia Road. I’ll let you be the judge of whether it’s worth heading over to the southern perimeter. If you’re a completist, you may want to do it anyway. (Which I totally get 🤩.)

4. Kolb Road (N/S through the center): Viewing 7/10 & 0/10 (zero) ; Photos 4/10 & 0/10

Kolb Road runs north-south and slices right through the center of the Arizona plane graveyard–it essentially bisects it. So you may be thinking, “awesome! We can drive right between all the planes.” And you can . . . sort of.

There are some spots were viewing is pretty good, other areas where it is totally nonexistent. Some things to consider when driving along the Kolb Road portion of the Arizona airplane graveyard:

• Kolb Rd. is a busy road with a lot of cars
• There is nowhere to pull over along the road
• The road is below grade through much of the boneyard; you can’t see any planes.

There is a massive overpass crossing Kolb Road for the Air Force to transport aircraft from one section of the boneyard to the other. Therefore road is actually recessed for much of the distance through the boneyard.

As a result, visibility of planes is ZERO through this portion of Kolb Road. Take a look at this photo to see what I mean:

The above photo is us driving north through the boneyard. You can see the aircraft overpass in the distance. You can also see the how the road is recessed, with no planes visible here. And how there’s not much room on the shoulders to pull over.

And although you can’t see it in this photo, there are “No Parking” signs all along this portion of the road. So you can’t exactly stop for a quick scramble up the slope for a photo-op.

But the viewing does get better as you progress north of the overpass.

The road begins to gradually slope upward, until you are once again level with the planes, near the northern perimeter (where we began our planespotting journey.) The best area for viewing is the western side of Kolb Rd. , between E. Irvington Road and Escalante Road.

PRO TIP: There is no stopping on Kolb Rd, so be sure to have someone else take photos (or have someone else drive and take photos yourself).

Viewing is best while driving north : even though they will be on the opposite side of the planes, you will be driving toward them, instead of away from them.

Here are 2 quick videos I took (while my husband was driving!) heading north on Kolb Road:

And this one is in Slo-Mo, so you can see a bit more:

Also, this is the only place you’ll be to see the front of any of the aircraft. From all other viewpoints you’ll be looking at the back or sides of the planes.

From this viewpoint you can see how the aircraft windshields have been prepped for their long stay in the desert. And how the propellers have been stabilized. They kind of look blindfolded . . . or like they’re wearing masks. 😷

NOTE: Remember, there is nowhere to stop along Kolb Rd. to take photos. And it’s a fairly busy road with a speed limit of 40mph, so no slowing down for a quick “snap.” Be sure to have a “designated photographer” in the car with you (or let someone else do the driving!)

The Stealth Fighter at the Aviation Graveyard Arizona???

Maybe not, but then again, maybe . . . ???

I couldn’t finish this post without sharing a cute anecdote from our experience back in the days when tours were still offered.

As the tour bus drove through the rows of aircraft the driver stopped outside one special spot.

A lone ladder waiting for a pilot to climb into the cockpit angled ten feet into the air, hovering over a set of landing gear and . . . nothing else. A sign in front of it says that this is an F-117 Stealth Fighter.

It made the grizzled tour guide’s day when a few young kids exclamed, “Wow! You really can’t see it!”

Just a little Air Force humor there . . . 😉

It’s disappointing that tours of the Tucson airplane graveyard are no longer offered. However with a little careful planning (and a designated driver while you photograph), you can still see much of this incredible sight.

Even if it has to be through the fence.

Viewing the Arizona Plane Graveyard from the Air

This is one you’ll have to do through the magic of YouTube 😊. Below are two of the best videos I’ve found from years gone by:

Like Aircraft? More in the Tucson Area:

Afterwards, the Pima Air & Space Museum offers a fine collection of more than 350 aircraft including a B-24 Liberator, Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter, Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the unique Aero Spacelines 377-SG “Super Guppy” cargo plane that is cobbled together from parts of a retired U.S. Air Force C-97 Stratofreighter and a former Pan American Boeing 377 Stratocruiser.

Fast facts about the Tucson Airplane Graveyard, aka “The Boneyard”

Can anyone visit the tucson boneyard.

NO. Tours were stopped in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Pima Air & Space Museum (who organized the tours) “t he bus tours to Davis-Monthan AFB of the  309 th  AMARG  (AKA “The Boneyard”) have permanently ended. This tour is no longer offered and will not be coming back due to changes in U.S. Air Force security considerations.” 

How many planes are in the Tucson Boneyard?

According to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base , “AMARG is responsible for the storage of nearly 3,200 aircraft and more than 6,300 engines from the five Department of Defense services.”

Where is the best place to see the Boneyard in Tucson?

There are multiple viewing spots along the northern perimeter of the Boneyard, on Escalante and East Irvington Road, where you can park and take photos. These areas have places to park. Other roads nearby offer views, but you cannot stop, so views are “fleeting.”

For another Cold War relic head nearby to the Titan Missile Museum , home of the last of the 54 Titan II missile sites that were on alert from 1963 through 1987.

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The astonishing plane graveyard that's hidden just 1 hour from London

The graveyard is hidden between an airport and a hotel

• 07:00, 4 DEC 2021
• Updated 09:05, 7 DEC 2021

The 12 - our free newsletter with all the news you need

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In today's instalment of truly, how nothing can live forever: yes, even the most random of inanimate objects, such as aeroplanes, must retire at some point too, and live out the rest of their slowly decaying lives somewhere.

That somewhere being a remarkable one hour out of London - just a few minutes away from London Southend Airport.

The grave for planes - otherwise known by the more sophisticated sounding, how-is-there-not-a-band-called-this-already, aircraft boneyard- lies right in between the airport and a hotel called The Skylark.

READ MORE: The tragic story of how 8 Londoners were killed by a tidal wave of beer

Only a few aeroplanes scatter the yard, with EssexLive previously reporting these planes could age as far back as the 1950s.

It's not the easiest place to see for yourself.

Whilst not impossible, it's difficult to get to from London, and when there, permission from the hotel is required for the Skylark owns the land.

Without permission - which isn't always granted - you're facing locked gates, fences, and 24/7 security.

But some planes can be seen from Google Maps, using the satellite view option over Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6UN.

The planes are large, and look a lot like the passenger planes we take for granted in our overseas holidays today.

Yet they're absolutely covered in shrub; one in particular looks even somewhat buried in trees.

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If you're wondering what these planes are all about, you're not alone.

Those over at the Fighter Control Forum have previously discussed what kind of plane they could be, with one poster suggesting ex RAAF HS748s- which, in English, is a medium-sized turboprop airliner.

Yet this is still just speculation; as of today, there's been no confirmation on what the planes are.

And - perhaps even more excruciatingly - how they ended up in an aircraft boneyard right by London Southend Airport.

Do you have a story you think we should be covering? If so, email [email protected]

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Europe's biggest aeroplane graveyard... in the heart of the Cotswolds: Massive salvage yard can take apart up to 60 aircraft at a time - and workers once found £4million of cocaine stash in a toilet

• Former military airbase in Gloucestershire has become the world's most prolific aircraft graveyards  
• It provides an 'end-of-life service' for between 50 to 60 planes at its Cotswold base each year
• Mark Gregory's firm has dismantled some 730 commercial aircraft of all types over last couple of decades
• On one particular aircraft he discovered around £4million worth of cocaine stashed behind a toilet panel

By Thomas Burrows for MailOnline

Published: 07:41 EDT, 3 May 2018 | Updated: 20:04 EDT, 3 May 2018

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This field in the heart of Gloucestershire is Europe's largest aeroplane graveyard.

Kemble-Cotswold Airport, near Cirencester, provides an 'end-of-life service' for between 50 to 60 planes at its base every year.

Mark Gregory, the founder of Air Salvage International, is responsible for dismantling the unwanted passenger jets into more than 2,000 parts [for each aircraft].

His company has been operating out of the private airfield, which was owned by the Ministry of Defence until 1993. Mr Gregory's firm has taken apart around 730 commercial aircraft of all types over the last couple of decades.

The most valuable parts are the engines which are worth up to £18million each.

'Once we have removed them, we then set about salvaging the other valuable parts of the airframe', Mr Gregory said.  

Mark Gregory, who started his company from his garden shed, now dismantles around 50 to 60 aircraft every year 

The company was set up by Mr Gregory 20 years ago and is now the biggest aircraft dismantler in Europe

This picture shows the cockpit of an A319 cockpit - one of the many aeroplanes to end up at the Kemble-Cotswold Airport

Mr Gregory, who started the firm from his garden shed, explained: 'The engines and parts are worth more if you take them off than if you try to sell the aircraft as a flying machine.'

He said: 'Between 80 and 90 per cent of the value of the aircraft are the engines. If the customer wants we can remove the engine as serviceable and it can then be leased or sold to be used on another aircraft.' 

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The spare parts can be reused in other aircraft or sections and are often sold to training companies where they are used for pilots, aircrew and even counter-terror exercises.

Dismantling an aircraft can take around eight weeks for a narrow-bodied passenger jet like an Airbus A320, but for bigger planes like a Boeing 747 or 777 it can take 10 to 15 weeks.

As well as the engine, other valuable parts include the air conditioning system, the escape chutes and the landing gear. Even a joystick from the cockpit can fetch around £11,000. 

The team test all the aircraft's systems and drain the planes of fuel and hydraulic fluid, before removing and labelling each re-usable part.

Parts of aircraft from Mr Gregory's scrapyard have been used in movies such as Batman and World War Z and TV series including Doctor Who.

Mr Gregory's firm has dismantled some 730 commercial aircraft of all types over the last couple of decades

This former military airbase in Gloucestershire has become the world's most prolific aircraft graveyards 

The team test the aircraft before draining them of fuel and hydraulic fluid, before removing and labelling each re-usable part

Mr Gregory's team sometimes discover unusual items left behind by passengers and crew, such as mobile phones and spare change.

On one particular aircraft they discovered something slightly more valuable - around £4million worth of cocaine stashed behind a toilet panel.

He said: 'There were these packets hidden behind the panel that looked like lots of cassette tapes wrapped in plastic.'

It was later found to be 3kg of cocaine, worth around £300,000 in street value.

He said: 'Looking at the packages it had been there for some time, maybe it was taken on board the aircraft and whoever took it on bottled out and stashed it behind the toilet panels.

'When I was working at the airlines we did find a gold bar once, but we've not found that again.'

He added: 'We find lots of coins, we did find a wallet once which we managed to repatriate with the pilot [that was under the captain's seat of a Air New Zealand aircraft].'

Mark Gregory started Air Salvage International 20 years ago, after working as a mechanic for an aviation firm

Share or comment on this article: Europe's biggest aeroplane graveyard in the heart of the Cotswolds

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The Welsh aircraft graveyard where old planes go to die

Too old to fly, they're stripped, scrapped and their working parts reassigned

• 18:48, 18 MAY 2020

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The advanced age of a plane is not something many passengers want to ponder when they're soaring high above a canopy of clouds, some 38,000 feet up in the air.

But, while we prefer to think of each aircraft we board as new, shiny and infallible, there's no getting past the fact that, at some point, every Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 starts to show signs of wear and tear and eventually has to be retired.

And, having been waved one last goodbye by its cabin crew, almost one in 10 of the world's over-the-hill long haulers ends up here, in a tucked away funeral parlour for flying machines near the South Wales coast.

Formed in 2011 and based at St Athan , near Barry, eCube Solutions is one of the fastest growing facilities for the recycling of old commercial airliners, with around 60 of these mammoth machines landing on its runway each year.

After that they're taken into a hangar where teams work against the clock to strip out each plane's mechanical components, thousands of which are then sold on to satisfy the growing global demand for refurbished plane parts.

By the time they've finished all that's left is the empty shell of the fuselage, which is then smashed up.

It's an burgeoning industry worth millions, which is why the work is often a race against time - one which is documented on a new 10-part documentary series called Plane Reclaimers.

Broadcast on free-to-air TV channel Quest from next week, episode one shows the eCube employees race to strip an Airbus A319, delayed in its arrival from the Middle East, because another airline has already bought its engines for a whopping $12m and wants them for their own flying stock as quickly as possible.

Elsewhere, an RAF Hercules which had served in every conflict since the first Gulf War in 1990 arrives to be stripped and destroyed.

"It's a very nostalgic day, and for me quite sad, as it's the first aircraft I worked on in the airforce as an 18-year-old," says Bob Haden, eCube Solutions' Head of Operational Support Services.

"To see it end up smashed up by a digger is not very nice."    

eCube Solutions also inadvertently made the news late last year when a 747 jumbo jet made its shortest ever journey , travelling the four-mile distance from Cardiff Airport to St Athan in a mere nine minutes - barely enough time to enjoy a gin and tonic from the in-flight hostess trolley.

The first of the airline's G-CIVx-registered Boeing 747-400s - which first left the runway in April 1995 - the aging jumbo made the short hop in November and what working parts still remaining were removed for use on the rest of British Airways' fleet.

The new series of Plane Reclaimers starts on Quest on Tuesday May 26 at 9pm.

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The remarkable aircraft graveyard tucked away in woodland near Gatwick Airport

The yard holds everything from jets to old cars

• 13:23, 1 SEP 2022

Hidden in woodland just over the Sussex border is an extraordinary scrapyard where aircraft go to die. Glover's Wood is on the edge of Charlwood, Surrey and is one of the largest woodlands in the area.

On the approach to the woodland - but on private land itself - is a graveyard for planes and other vehicles, offering a remarkable close-up display of aircraft.

A rare sight in itself, the scrapyard also has the unique aspect of being less than 10 minutes to Gatwick Airport . Most of the aircraft kept at boneyards are either kept for storage with some maintenance or have their parts removed for reuse or resale.

Read more: Plane declares emergency over Sussex after passenger medical incident

The fascinating site at Glover's Wood is filled with abandoned aircraft and vehicles that are no longer in service. It is home to everything from Harrier Jump Jets and sea King helicopters to police cars and jet skis.

The once-majestic aircraft are left to collect dust in the open air, providing a fascinating glimpse into wartime history. The planes and vehicles look like props on a film set - some remain in excellent condition, while others are overgrown with moss.

The fascinating scrapyard, owned by Adrian Wright, is secured behind a black wrought iron gate. The owner lives at the site, enjoying the remarkable collection in his very own backyard.

Most of the aircraft can be seen from a footpath leading to the woodland, allowing passersby to also appreciate the display. The plot can be found along Glover's Road, just past The Half Moon pub and churchyard.

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Inside Britain’s eerie airplane graveyard where UK airlines dump their jets

• Published : 11:36 ET, Dec 22 2022
• Updated : 15:11 ET, Dec 23 2022
• Published : Invalid Date,

EERIE pictures have revealed what lays inside a plane "graveyard" where old jets are dumped.

Cotswold Airport in Kemble, Gloucestershire , is home to countless planes from various airlines including British Airways, KLM, Jet2 and Qatar Airways.

The planes left on the tarmac are either being stored for later use or are waiting to be scrapped.

Plane spotter group Aviation Up Close shared footage of the airport to their YouTube channel.

The description read: "Had the opportunity to visit Kemble this afternoon as it wasn't too much of a detour coming back from Cornwall.

"It's a fantastic place to spend an hour or so with a massive array of aircraft that are stored or awaiting the scrapper.

"The airport is home to an overwhelming amount of Boeing 747's with a fair few new additions courtesy of BA with the latest, G-BYGF arriving a few days prior.

The dust-covered jets spotted by the group included a MK Airlines B747-200F, a British Airways B747-400 a Jet2 B737-300 and an Air Italy B737-700.

Construction work for RAF Kemble began in 1936.

From 1966 until 1983, Kemble housed the Red Arrows, the RAF's aerobatic display team.

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After the Red Arrows moved to RAF Scampton, the station was used by the US Air Force as a maintenance facility.

Following decades of use as a functioning runway, the site is now predominately used as a storage facility for aircraft.

And in its retirement, the airport has been used as a film location for a number of television programmes and series.

These have included Top Gear, Casualty, Ultimate Force, Car of the Year Show, Wheeler Dealers, Classic Car Club, Drop the Celebrity and Fifth Gear.

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Long Marston Airfield’s aeroplane graveyard

There’s something quite tantalising about derelict places – they’re a sort of window on the past, giving you a feeling of being almost able to reach out and touch the past. But if you’ve ever been inside an abandoned aircraft, I’m sure you’ll agree with me that these are equally poignant and intriguing.

The airfield we fly from was built during the Second World War, and as such, has quite a few interesting relics of the past dotted about it. This includes several abandoned aircraft, although these were put there long after it ceased to be used for war purposes. I think there used to be some sort of small aviation museum here, but it’s long since closed and nature has been left to reclaim the only aircraft that remain from it.

We went exploring one day when we needed a break from work. This aircraft is (what’s left of) a military jet – a Gloster Meteor. Sadly it’s now covered in grafitti.

And this is a Shackleton. If there’s something about it that reminds you of a Lancaster , that’s because it’s the same manufacturer – Avro – and it’s derived from the Lincoln, which was derived from the Lancaster. So it’s sort of the grandchild of the Lancaster.

The Shackleton was used as a patrol aircraft and in anti-submarine warfare from the 50s to the 70s. I like the old RAF writing.

It seems a sad fate for these planes to be just left to rot, after their years of faithful service.

We couldn’t work out how to get inside the aircraft, as the wing was too high to clamber up onto. I will try to get some more photos of the inside if we do manage to find a way inside – there must be a way of doing it, as I’ve seen interior photos from other photographers.

This is the aircraft that guards the gate of the airfield – a Percival Sea Prince. I don’t particularly like the shark design (it wasn’t always like that, of course – it’s a pretty recent bit of what I assume is vandalism), but it makes it more striking, I suppose.

I found the cockpit the most interesting aspect, of course; to think of all the pilots who’ve sat at the controls and pushed the throttle open, and the adventures this plane once went on.

I believe this aircraft was used for navigation and anti-submarine training. They even had a little pocket to stow their charts!

Our airfield is currently being lined up to have thousands of houses built on it, so goodness knows what will become of these poor aircraft when that happens. At least if they do get rid of them, their memory will live on in the numerous photographs that have charted their decay over the years.

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Copyright Rachel Ramsay 2024. All rights reserved.

Urbex: Aircraft Graveyard, United Kingdom – May 2013

Latest report is from an abandoned aircraft graveyard somewhere in the united kingdom. There used to be a fair few more planes at this place but they have unfortunately been moved or sold for scrap. Remaining were 3 Planes and 1 Helicopter including a 1962 Westland Whirlwind HAR.10 C/N WA362 and a Avro Shackleton MR.3 which was pretty impressive both internally and externally. We were blessed with rather perfect weather for such an explore and I can safely say it was a successful end to a cracking weekend explore with Dystopia and Lowri .

Before the photos check out the video of the explore:

First up we have the 1962 Westland Whirlwind HAR.10 C/N WA362 RAF Rescue Helicopter. The Helicopter is a Rotorcraft with 1 Bristol Siddeley Gnome H1000 Turbo Shaft Engine, It seats 11 people (or at least it did when it had seats…)

Next up we have the Avro Shackleton MR.3 Plane The Avro Shackleton was a British long-range maritime patrol aircraft for use by the Royal Air Force. It was developed by Avro from the Avro Lincoln bomber with a new fuselage. It was originally used primarily in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) roles, and was later adapted for airborne early warning (AEW), search and rescue (SAR) and other roles from 1951 until 1990. It also served in the South African Air Force from 1957 to 1984. The type is named after the polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

The Avro Type 716 Shackleton MR.3 was another redesign in response to crew complaints. A new tricycle undercarriage was introduced, the fuselage was increased in all main dimensions and had new wings with better ailerons and tip tanks. The weapons capability was also upgraded to include homing torpedoes and Mk 101 Lulu nuclear depth bombs. As a sop to the crews on 15-hour flights, the sound deadening was improved and a proper galley and sleeping space were included. Due to these upgrades, the take-off weight of the RAF’s MR.3s had risen by over 30,000 lb (13,600 kg) (Ph. III) and assistance from Armstrong Siddeley Viper Mk.203 turbojets was needed on take-off.

Finally, a couple of currently unidentified craft… suggestions welcome in comments if you know what they are…

A little revisit report from June 2013 now up here.

If you’ve made it this far… thanks for reading / checking out the pictures. Leave me a comment below or hit the like button to let me know you’ve enjoyed the shots and to encourage me to keep posting more 🙂

Limited Edition prints and Canvases, as well as regular prints, are available for all of the images above on request and visit the store for more prints and products.

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Where is it in the uk?

The first picture after the Shackleton is a Gloster Meteor.

that westland whirlwind is now at all things wild near evesham

Could do with raiding that Sea Prince – we’ve got one at our air museum at Carlisle airport and some spares would come in handy!

Great video and pictures , would love to take some video from the air , you should put that Gopro on a Quadcopter..

The aircraft is a Gloster Meteor T7 the other is a hunting pembroke.

Wouldn’t be worth someone’s while to rescue those engines off that Shackleton? Aren’t they Griffons?

Thats Long Marston aerodrome nr stratford on avon. XP 346 whirlwind was JAPG as was the shackleton it’s number is WR 985, the sea prince is G-RACA ex WM735.

The Pink Plane is a 1952 Percival P-57 Sea Prince T1 tail # P57/49 http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo/000127521.html

The other aircraft is a Percival Pembroke.

Your jet aircraft that you dont know the identification of is a 2 seater Gloster Meteor night fighter I think.

this will be one of a number of closes Air Sea Rescue bases. Either in Cornwall or Scotland.

love these pictures lucy you

Hey, where abouts is the location?

Sorry Mr Smith but I dont discuss locations or access details. Thanks PM

yes thay are ! thats amasing that thay are still there for some reson during decomishion the feeds were removed its good that this one sliped though the gap its a shame about the damige why would people do that and the fact that the people who own the land cant shear nicely ! sorry about the spelling i have dyslexia

with the u.a’s look for cereal numbers and backgrownd cheek any/all id numbers sorry thats all i can do to help :/ but a question the Shackleton fong gunner posishion dos it still have the belt feeds ? idk why but all the shackletons (and bits of) in museums privet colechions and other graveyards arwond the world have had them removed

http://www.proj3ctm4yh3m.com/urbex/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/longmarston-37-1024×682.jpg

^^ this the belt feeds you are referring to? I have tried for a revisit but unfortunately access is a little trickier now as unfortunately some people have caused damage to the aircraft 🙁

Thanks for the comment William

Well as for your mystery aircraft I have found out what they are. The first one with the two missing engines is a Gloster Meteor. Its one of the few aircraft I know of where the wing beam is in front of the inlet. The second aircraft is a Percival P.66 Permbroke. That one was pretty hard as there were only 128 of them made.

Hi Daniel, Thanks for the comment and assistance in identifying these 🙂 After a couple of searches I think the second one might actually be a Percival Sea Prince, Similar to the Permbroke but with some slight minor differences mainly to the internals from what I could tell at first glance. I’ve revisited them recently but security has been stepped up slightly and neighbours to the fenced off part have been told to call the owner and or police if anyone is seen trying to get within the perimeter fence. Thankfully the Percival is outside that so we spent a little more time there 🙂

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Southend Skylark Hotel footage shows exclusive first look inside abandoned plane graveyard

"The pilots area was bare as though trophy hunters had picked it apart over the years"

• 18:04, 21 AUG 2019
• Updated 16:46, 29 JAN 2021

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A group from Essex have filmed the moment they climbed inside the abandoned planes at the Skylark Hotel in Southend.

After seeing a Facebook post about the about the mysterious location, 33-year-old Andrew Kirkland decided to take his friends Steve Page and Mike Griffiths to see the planes up close.

The men approached the hotel and asked to see the planes. They were given access to the site and were "unsure of what lay ahead".

They used an abandoned wooden chair that had been dumped nearby to climb up onto the wing of the plane and film inside using a GoPro attached to their heads.

Andrew said: "We were both excited and nervous all at the same time.

"As we approached the planes that were covered in overgrowth, it gave me the feeling of a place long forgotten and no longer cared about."

He also said that the land looked like it had been used as a "dumping ground" with broken TV's and furniture littered across the site.

"Along with household rubbish strewn all over the place, there were metal hoists and metal-framed beds that looked as though they had come from a hospital ward years ago," he added.

"Once inside, I noticed an empty shell and chairs arranged as though people have been here before.

"The pilot's area was bare as though trophy hunters had picked it apart over the years.

"There was an area with table tops that reminded me of the old commutation stations. They had on planes in war time leading me to believe the planes were military. "We took some footage of the area and inside both planes and then left as to not push our luck with being there".

How can you see the planes?

The area is secured with locked gates and fences so you can't just walk up to the planes.

However, you can see one of the larger planes from a distance if you stand in the hotel's car park.

Alternatively, you could ask permission from the landowner. We always advise asking the permission of the land owner before entering any private area.

Entering someone's land or property without permission could land you in trouble and you could be charged with trespassing.

Want to see Essex Live's full gallery of pictures from the abandoned plane graveyard in Southend? Use the gallery below:

Where are they?

Located just a few hundred metres away from London Southend Airport is the Skylark Hotel, in Aviation Way.

The hotel owns a section of land which boarders the airport, full of overgrown grass and planes which are unused.

It's believed they could date back to the 1950's.

When looking on Google Maps, there appears to be three planes, although the group of friends said they only saw two on their visit.

To watch the full 12-minute video shot by Andrew and his friends, click here.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Where do planes go once they’ve finished flying? These 7 aircraft graveyards will show you…

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Does anyone ever tire of looking at photos of abandoned things? Abandoned theme parks, abandoned towns – and now abandoned aeroplanes.

These photos show aircraft that has been left to rot in what are known as aeroplane graveyards.

From ex-military planes to jet liners, there’s aircraft corpses dotted around the world and they are eerily fascinating. Check them out…

1. Newbury, Ohio

Nestled in one man’s back garden is this collection of more than 30 military jets – salvaged by Walter Soplata over a 50-year period. He bought the planes amid fears they would be dismantled and destroyed, and, upon his death in 2010, his relatives kept his prestigious collection a secret so that scrappers wouldn’t steal his prized possessions.

2. Mojave Desert, California

One of the largest ‘boneyards’ in the US, this site has become the final resting place for thousands of planes, many commercial, over the years. Planes retire after about 25 years in service, and somewhere like the Mojave Desert works wonderfully because the dry warm atmosphere prevents corrosion.

3. The Boneyard, Arizona

That’s right, this mega beast is simply known as ‘The Graveyard’ because it’s that crammed with dead planes. While some of the aircrafts are restored, others are taken apart. All planes have guns and ejection seats removed before being sealed from dust, sunlight and high temperatures. Also, not to excite you, but there are weekday tours operated through The Boneyard. Amazing.

4. Pinal Airpark, Arizona

This park’s main purpose is to host disused commercial airliners and it’s the largest aircraft storage facility in the world. The majority of planes here are from Northwest Airlines, and the site takes up 2,080 acres. That’s a lot.

5. Aviation Warehouse, California

This boneyard is a bit snazzier than the others. Why? Because its dilapidated planes are often used in films and on TV. Take the logo on the one below – don’t recognise it as an airliner logo? That’s because it’s an entirely fictitious design made purposely for the prop. Exciting!

6. Khodynka Aerodrome, Russia

This graveyard was a functioning airport until 1941, and now features lots of war planes. Russians are currently trying to redevelop the area and build homes which means the panes are slowly, one by one, being transported away. Sob.

7. Chernobyl, Ukraine

Almost 30 years after the nuclear disaster that destroyed a town, many of the aircraft that assisted in the clean up are still grounded due to contamination. Whilst fire engines that attended the power plant on the night have been buried, there are still many rotting remains that have a hefty excursion zone around them. Who knew?

MORE: 14 eerie ghost towns from around the world that you never knew existed

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Inside plane graveyard filled with abandoned aircraft – including British military fighter from the Cold War

• Published : 11:35, 13 Sep 2023
• Updated : 11:35, 13 Sep 2023

THE UK's 'youngest' urban explorer has discovered an aviation graveyard full of old planes, including a British military aircraft from the Cold War.

The exploration took place in an undisclosed location in the Midlands , where this explorer, aged just 10, discovered an old Handley Page Victor Survivor XM715.

This is a jet-powered strategic bomber that was built during the Cold War and was reportedly retired in 1968.

As well as the retired bomber, you can see two other planes in these stunning pictures: a de Havilland DH-106 Comet, one of the world's first commercial jet airliners and a BAC Jet Provost, which was used by the RAF as a jet trainer.

The abandoned planes are reported to have been part of a museum collection in the past, but they have now been forgotten and left to rot near some warehouses.

Beau, from Northampton , has been running his own social media page Exploring with Beau with the help of his parents since 2019.

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This is the latest and greatest in his catalogue of amazing explorations, and being a youngster, he couldn't resist the urge to try and sit in the pilot's seat of one of the planes.

He said: "I went with my dad - he'd been before with his friend at night. 

"I saw the pictures and asked if I'd be able to go during half term one day.

"We got in through a hole in the perimeter fencing and went through loads of stinging nettles and brambles to get closer.

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"It was pretty cool to see the actual size of the planes up close.

"I tried to open one to look inside. I wanted to sit in the pilot's seat, but it was locked."

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Emperor and Empress of Japan arrive in the UK ahead of a long-awaited state visit

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako smile at the media walk through a guard of honour after arriving at Stansted Airport, England, Saturday, June 22, 2024, ahead of a state visit. The state visit begins Tuesday, when King Charles III and Queen Camilla will formally welcome the Emperor and Empress before taking a ceremonial carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Emperor Naruhito is saluted by a member of the honour guard as he and Empress Masako arrive at Stansted Airport, England, Saturday, June 22, 2024, ahead of a state visit. The state visit begins Tuesday, when King Charles III and Queen Camilla will formally welcome the Emperor and Empress before taking a ceremonial carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

The Japanese flag flies form the cockpit window of the plane carring Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako as it arrives at Stansted Airport, England, Saturday, June 22, 2024, ahead of a state visit. The state visit begins Tuesday, when King Charles III and Queen Camilla will formally welcome the Emperor and Empress before taking a ceremonial carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako walk through a guard of honour after arriving at Stansted Airport, England, Saturday, June 22, 2024, ahead of a state visit. The state visit begins Tuesday, when King Charles III and Queen Camilla will formally welcome the Emperor and Empress before taking a ceremonial carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Empress Masako gestures as she speaks to dignitaries as she and Emperor Naruhito arrive at Stansted Airport, England, Saturday, June 22, 2024, ahead of a state visit. The state visit begins Tuesday, when King Charles III and Queen Camilla will formally welcome the Emperor and Empress before taking a ceremonial carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Emperor Naruhito is greeted by dignitaries has he and Empress Masako arrive at Stansted Airport, England, Saturday, June 22, 2024, ahead of a state visit. The state visit begins Tuesday, when King Charles III and Queen Camilla will formally welcome the Emperor and Empress before taking a ceremonial carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are greeted by dignitaries as they arrive at Stansted Airport, England, Saturday, June 22, 2024, ahead of a state visit. The state visit begins Tuesday, when King Charles III and Queen Camilla will formally welcome the Emperor and Empress before taking a ceremonial carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

The plane carrying Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrives at Stansted Airport, England, Saturday, June 22, 2024, ahead of a state visit. The state visit begins Tuesday, when King Charles III and Queen Camilla will formally welcome the Emperor and Empress before taking a ceremonial carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Japanese Emperor Naruhito, center left, and Empress Masako, center right, smile as they depart for the state visit to Britain, at Haneda airport in Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, June 22, 2024. Japanese Crown Prince Akishino is seen at left, while Crown Princess Kiko is at second left. (Kyodo News via AP)

Japanese Emperor Naruhito, left, and Empress Masako smile as they depart for the state visit to Britain, at Haneda airport in Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

Japan Empress Masako smiles as she disembarks at Stansted Airport, England, Saturday, June 22, 2024, ahead of a state visit. The state visit begins Tuesday, when King Charles III and Queen Camilla will formally welcome the Emperor and Empress before taking a ceremonial carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. (Chris Radurn/PA via AP)

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LONDON (AP) — Emperor Naruhito of Japan and his wife Empress Masako arrived in the U.K. on Saturday ahead of a long-awaited official state visit originally scheduled for 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic delayed those plans.

The smiling couple, who landed late afternoon at Stansted Airport north of London, will spend seven days in the U.K. carrying out private engagements before the official state visit begins on June 25. The couple have connections to the U.K., having studied at the University of Oxford at different times.

The trip was intended to be the 64-year-old emperor’s first overseas visit after he ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019. But it was delayed by COVID-19 . He later attended Queen Elizabeth II ’s funeral in September 2022.

The state visit begins Tuesday , when King Charles III and Queen Camilla will formally welcome the emperor and empress before they take a ceremonial carriage ride to Buckingham Palace. Naruhito will also lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Westminster Abbey then return to the palace for a state banquet.

Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, who are in the midst of a general election campaign before the vote on July 4, are both set to attend the state banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening.