AN ABANDONED Boeing 727 plane has been transformed into a bizarre AirBnB - and the owner makes a fortune.
The glamourous private jet resides on an industrial estate in Bristol and the previous owners are shrouded in mystery with rumours from Middle Eastern royalty to notorious gangsters.
The former Pytchair 727, run by businessman Johnny Palmer, now offers guests the chance to live like a billionaire at 32 feet.
He told The Sun: “We know it was built for Japan Airways in 1968, but sometime in the 1970s it was converted into a private jet for various companies based in the Cayman Islands.
“So, you just imagine the type of people who would have been using this aircraft at the time.
“Its fittings are so upmarket that you really have to question where the money came from to fit it out so opulently.
“There were rumours that it was Mafia-owned and even an Arab prince but there was no way to getting to know who the real owners were because of the myriad of offshore companies where the plane had been registered.
“Put it this way I’m sure if the interior could talk it would have a catalogue of tales to tell.”
A stay in the luxurious decommissioned private jet will set guests back £320 a night.
The unusual AirBnB boasts two double bedrooms with ensuite toilets and showers, as well as seats which can convert into beds.
It comes complete with walnut panelling, leather seats, gold plated shower and toilet, as well as the original fully-fitted cockpit.
Chris Ford, 36, an account manager who lives near the site in Brislington, Bristol said the plane always brings a smile to his face whenever he passes it.
He said: “The plane itself has been a real feature of the landscape for a couple of years but since they painted the fuselage it has really brightened up the place.
“This is your average industrial estate so anything that gives it a bit of personality is something I welcome. It is typical of the sort of people who want to make Bristol their home – it’s quirky, outrageous and totally awesome.
“I love it and only wish more people had the vision to do things to bring places like this a bit more life.”
Fabricator Zak Powell, 31, from Bristol, passes the plane every working day.
“It’s great walking past and just watching the reactions of passers-by," he said.
“You can see them doing a double take and realising that there really was a plane on the industrial estate.
“I’ve even seen cars slam their brakes on when they notice there is a Boeing 727 on top of a few containers. It’s quite funny to see people’s reactions.
“I don’t think there’s a downside to having the plane here, it makes people smile and that can only be a good thing.”
The premium jet acts also as an office and events space for Johnny’s media company Pytch.
It comes after Johnny found the aircraft languishing at Cotswold Airport, Kemble and started work on it six years ago.
He bought the aircraft under his property investment company in mid-2020 and secured consent from Bristol City Council for his project in October that year.
The aircraft was still flying up until 2012, when it made its final journey to Filton Airfield, in Bristol - the current home of Concorde.
Johnny now has regular open days where residents living nearby can come and tour the plane for a donation to local charities.
He said: “The plane is getting well used not only as an AirBnB but I’ve also given it over to a local school PTA to hold a governor’s meeting.”
It comes as another savvy businessman snapped up part of a Boeing 737 for £5,000 and is set to make a fortune in his new venture.
Steven Northam, 39, has used the front half of the '60s-era aircraft to open a unique AirBnB.
The unusual rental has proved popular already and has racked up a 300-strong waiting list.
The cabin has been converted to house four people and retains many of its original features.
Overhead lockers, plane seats and toilets all remain in the jet, bough from a training centre at Chichester College, West Sussex.
However, Steven has included a few extras, including a flight simulator and hot tub.
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