Airlines aren’t known for their top-notch onboard coffee offerings. But one permanently-grounded airliner might just put a whole new twist on the trend of less-than-stellar airplane coffee.
According to WPLG, a new coffee shop – called Sky Coffee Buenos Aires – is located in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. The owner, Rosana Bentos, once wanted to become a flight attendant and even sold her house to purchase the forward portion of the MD-80’s fuselage.
The onboard menu is better than what is available on some airlines these days. So-called ‘luxury’ coffee drinks are served, plus a VIP section with cappuccinos featuring 24k edible gold. Several food offerings are available as well, such as empanadas, treats, and sandwiches.
For those looking to get work done in the former jet, the shop’s website says that “onboard WiFi” is available in addition to power outlets.
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Repurposing an MD-80
The repurposed aircraft is a McDonnell Douglas MD-88 that previously belonged to Delta. Once registered as N965DL, the jet flew for the airline for nearly 30 years before being retired in 2019, then later scrapped in 2020. Delta retired its entire fleet of ‘Mad Dog’ aircraft in June 2020.
The new coffee shop just opened in early December and has been a hot spot for aviation and coffee lovers alike, according to local news reports. As the business grows, Bentos told WPLG that there may even be opportunities to expand the concept further.
