Retired Boeing 727 Makes Unusual Journey Down the M5, Now a Stunning Luxury Airbnb in Bristol
AI Summary
Iconic Boeing 727 Transformed into Airbnb in Bristol
A converted aircraft draws global attention. HelloGuest shows how unique properties can capture premium bookings.
Check summary via ChatGPT
Do you remember the old Boeing 727, which made headlines around three years ago when it was being transported down the M5, M4, and M32 to its new home in Bristol City? Well, it’s now an Airbnb rental!
The plane, or PytchAir as it was known, was built in 1968 for Japan Airlines but was sold to a private investor in 1981 and converted into a luxury private jet.
The initial plan was to remove the jet’s interior and convert it into an office and event space. However, the current owner and plane lover, Jonny Palmer, had another idea. With a bit of help from his wife, he decided to restore the aircraft’s interior and rent it out for dinner parties and as a place to stay.
“I love aeroplanes,” said Mr Palmer. “As a little kid growing up on a farm in Tasmania, I always wanted to own an aeroplane. As it happens with manifestations sometimes, if you think about things enough, it happens, and it did.”
It comes as no surprise to us as property managers for Airbnb rentals how good this idea was, as Airbnb today offers much more than booking to stay in people’s homes. Competition on the app is even higher with the emergence of new fun and quirky stays. For example, see the oddest but coolest places you can now book and the life-size Polly Pocket that just opened.
Plane’s history
Property investor Mr Palmer had the idea to convert the decommissioned plane after hearing of a disused jet at Cotswold Airport. He acquired the aircraft under his property investment company in 20-20 and secured consent from Bristol County Council in October of that year.
Mr Palmer did not reveal how much he paid for the plane when he acquired it, although it was worth around £50m when it was in full working order.
The renovations
Renovations began, and in 2022, the aircraft received a lively new paint job. Work has continued to prepare the plane for use inside, and interesting design choices have been made. The jet, weighing 27 tonnes, features a lavish 80 interior with walnut panelling and leather seats.
“My wife said, ‘It’s so of an era, it’s so kitsch and so gaudy, don’t mess with it, treat it like a restoration job’. The whole process has been about restoring what is already here and getting things that used to work working again.”
The renovated aircraft features two lounge spaces, a luxurious king-sized bed, two single beds, three toilets, a shower, a fully equipped kitchen and a fully fitted cockpit. Outside, there’s also a large decked area with a hot tub and a shower mounted underneath the fuselage.
Future works are still underway to install a renewable power system into the plan and also hinted to BristolLive about a more notable project coming soon in the future – although no details were exclusively given.
“[The plane] always creates good conversations and a good laugh” he said. “I want to do more aeroplane things and there is something on the horizon.”
Now available to rent on Airbnb
Now, in 2024, the former luxury private jet underwent its conversion and now features as an extravagant rental on Airbnb. It is priced at £350 for one night, making it one of the most expensive places to spend the night in Bristol.
To book PytchAir, prices begin from £350 a night and you can be hired for one night with a one-off cleaning fee of £50. So, including Airbnb’s service fee of around £85, you can expect the night in the jet to set you back around £485. Johnny is now a Superhost on Airbnb.
