I bought an iconic Boeing plane with a royal backstory – now I’m making a fortune from it
AN ABANDONED Boeing 727 plane has been transformed into a bizarre AirBnB – and its owner is making a fortune.
The glamorous private jet is located on an industrial estate in Bristol and its previous owners have been shrouded in mystery with rumors ranging from Middle Eastern royals to notorious gangsters.
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The former Pytchair 727, run by businessman Johnny Palmer, now offers guests the chance to live like a billionaire at 33 feet.
He told The Sun: “We know it was built in 1968 for Japan Airways, but sometime in the 1970s it was converted into a private jet for various companies in the Cayman Islands.
“So imagine what kind of people would have used this plane back then.
“The equipment is so luxurious that you really have to wonder where the money comes from to furnish it so lavishly.
“There were rumors that it was owned by the mafia and even by an Arab prince, but there was no way to find out who the real owners were because of the numerous offshore companies where the plane was registered.
“When I put it like that, I’m sure if the interior could talk, it would have a whole bunch of stories to tell.”
Staying on the luxurious, decommissioned private jet will cost guests £320 per night.
The unusual AirBnB features two double bedrooms with private toilets and showers, as well as chairs that convert into beds.
It comes complete with walnut panelling, leather seats, gilded 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 puts a smile on his face when he passes it.
He said: “The plane itself has been a real feature of the landscape for a few years but since they painted the fuselage it has really brightened up the place.
“This is an average industrial estate, so anything that gives it a bit of personality is something I like to see. It’s typical of the kind of people who want to make Bristol their home: it’s quirky, outrageous and downright wonderful.
“I think it’s great and just wish more people had the vision to do things to bring a little more life to places like this.”
Manufacturer Zak Powell, 31, from Bristol, passes the plane every working day.
“It’s great to walk by and just watch the reactions of people passing by,” he said.
“You see them do a double take and realize that there really was an airplane on the industrial estate.
“I have even seen cars brake when they notice that a Boeing 727 is on top of some containers. It’s quite funny to see people’s reactions.
“I don’t think there is a downside to having the plane here, it makes people laugh and that can only be a good thing.”
The premium jet also serves as office and event space for Johnny’s media company Pytch.
It comes after Johnny found the plane languishing at Cotswold Airport, Kemble and started working on it six years ago.
He bought the aircraft under his property investment company in mid-2020 and received approval from Bristol City Council for his project in October that year.
The aircraft continued to fly 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 local residents can tour the plane and donate to local charities.
He said: “Not only is the plane put to good use as an AirBnB, but I also handed it over to the PTA of a local school to hold a governor’s meeting.”
It comes as another shrewd businessman has bought part of a Boeing 737 for £5,000 and is set to make a fortune from his new venture.
Steven Northam, 39, has used the front half of the 1960s plane to open a unique AirBnB.
The unusual rental has already proven popular, creating a waiting list of 300 people.
The hut has been converted to sleep four people and retains many of its original features.
Lockers, aircraft seats and toilets all remain on the plane, purchased from a training center at Chichester College, West Sussex.
However, Steven has added a few extras, including a flight simulator and a hot tub.
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