A former private jet that has been transformed into a luxury Airbnb rental is now one of the most expensive places to stay in Bristol. The old Boeing 727 made headlines three years ago when it was transported down the M5, M4 and M32 to its new home in the city. Originally, the plan was to gut the interior of the jet, which is perched atop shipping containers at Skyline Park in Brislington, and convert it into an office and event space.
However, aviation enthusiast and owner Jonny Palmer decided - on his wife's advice - to restore everything inside the aircraft instead and rent it out for dinner parties and as accommodation. The plane - or PytchAir as it's known - was initially built in 1968 for Japan Airlines but was sold to a private investor in 1981 and refitted as a luxury private jet. Mr Palmer, a property investor, came up with the idea of converting a decommissioned plane after learning about a disused jet at Cotswold Airport.
He purchased the aircraft under his property investment company in mid-2020 and received approval from Bristol City Council for his project in October that year, reports . In 2022, the exterior of the aircraft was given a vibrant new paint job and since then work has been carried out to restore the plane inside. The jet, which weighs 27 tonnes, still boasts its opulent 80s interior complete 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'. T.