An abandoned Boeing 727 once owned by Pablo Escobar has been transformed into the world’s most beautiful Airbnb – and it’s making guests feel like billionaires.
The private jet is located on an industrial estate in Bristol – and comes with a hot tub and sauna and can cost up to $1,055 a night.
Originally built in 1968 and fitted out as a private jet in 1981, the aircraft was still flying until 2012 – when it made its final journey to Filton Airport.
Businessman Johnny Palmer, 41, secured consent from Bristol City Council for his project.
It now offers guests the chance to live like a billionaire on 32 feet.
Johnny said: “It was built in 1968 for Japan Airlines and converted to a private jet in 1981. It had a number of owners.
“Eventually it couldn’t fly anymore and in 2012 it was decommissioned.
“There’s a bit of role-playing going on there – people enjoy that experience and live that fantasy for a while and then go about their normal lives.
“The contrast — the billionaire and real life — is actually healthy for people.”
There have been many rumors about who the plane’s previous owners were – including an Arab prince and the mafia.
“Someone said Pablo Escobar may have owned it for a while,” he said.
“As far as where he was before who knows — that doesn’t change the fact that we’re doing so many positive things with him now.”
The unusual Airbnb boasts two double bedrooms with toilets and showers, as well as sofas that can be converted into beds.
It comes complete with walnut trim, leather seats, gold-plated shower and toilet – as well as the original fully fitted cockpit.
While the plane has no wings or engines, all other functions work including the air stairs, lighting, three toilets, shower, kitchen, refrigerator and many of the cabin lights.
Johnny said: “I always wanted to have a private jet and this was an opportunity to get one – the thing I wanted was never a plane flying it was just to have a private jet so it was perfect.
“I think they’re cool—I love airplanes. Everyone wants a private jet, right?
“In industrial estates people don’t really care what you do because visually they’re not very pleasing as they are, so it gives you a creative outlet to do weird things like airplanes.
“Whereas if I tried to do that in an agricultural or residential setting, you just wouldn’t get planning permission for it.”
The whole project was a restoration job that took several years to complete.
“The things that are inside were put in place in 1981 – before I was born – and everything we’ve done has been restored as best we can,” he said.
“I did a lot of the electrical myself, I had a plumber, a carpenter – there were a lot of people involved in the process.”
Johnny now has regular open days where residents who live nearby can come and visit the plane for a donation to local charities.
He added: “I love that it brings joy to people and a lot of people have great nights out there, kids are inspired by it. People come here and take selfies with him.”
The cheapest nights on board are £250 and peak nights are £850 per night.
The peak time is in August and is almost fully booked throughout the year.
Johnny said he gives the plane to artists for free if they do music videos or photoshoots for artistic processes – mostly Drill and Rap artists.
When asked if there were any celebrities staying at Airbnb, Johnny said: “Not that I know of – but it’s also quite discreet.
“The whole point is that it’s a very private space. Even if they did, I wouldn’t say because respecting guests’ privacy is really important.”
With the popularity of the business, all the revenue has meant they can restore the aircraft and improve the experience.
“The money we get from it just goes back into the project to make it better and better for future guests.
It was never intended to make money.”
This month, a pre-application was submitted for a second aircraft to be located next to the existing one.
“This will be bigger and much more impressive. And a much higher and bigger structure,” Johnny concluded.
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Image Source : nypost.com