Johnny Palmer brought a decommissioned Boeing 727 to Bristol in February 2021, which he has transformed into an Airbnb, complete with a hot tub and sauna
A man who built the ‘world’s coolest Airbnb’ from Pablo Escobar’s plane in Bristol has got caught up in a planning row with neighbours – over its noisy parties. Johnny Palmer, 41, transformed an abandoned Boeing 727 plane once owned by the drug lord to makes guests ‘feel like billionaires.’.
The Bristol man has now submitted a new application for a second Boeing project, aiming to create the ‘world’s coolest office. ‘.
Mr Palmer transported his initial Boeing 727 to Bristol in February 2021. However, he is now facing opposition over plans to place a second Boeing 727 fuselage at the site, intended to be used as an office and meeting space.
In response to the new application, some neighbours have complained about ‘rowdy’ parties in the ‘Escobar’ plane disrupting the local tranquillity.
One objector wrote: “It is too close to the houses and you can hear music and parties that they have already.
“When the new houses are built opposite they are not going to like the noise either.”
Another added: “What a complete waste of time, the one that is already in place has changed from this to this to this, the community doesn’t use the first one let alone another.
Inside the plane
“The plane has never been accepted by the community, it’s hardly been used for any events. Who in their right minds want to go in the plane over looking what will be a housing area on the back of a trading estate. It beggars belief. It is just another eyesore.”
Another objector added: “It is not going to do anything for the area except attract more trouble.
“It’s hard enough when they have parties in there and you can hear the music all around the Brislington area and Broomhill.”
Mr Palmer’s original Boeing 727 sits on top of a pile of shipping containers, and he now wants to position the second aircraft even higher – the equivalent of three storeys.
Multiple letters backing the scheme have also been submitted before Bristol City Council makes its decision.
In paperwork supporting the proposal, he stated the plan was for the supporting structure to serve as a centre for co-working and office spaces and feature a coffee shop and other amenities.
He explained: “The project will create high-value opportunities in marketing, public relations and communications, providing employment for young creatives, designers and marketers.
“This project represents a forward-thinking, innovative development, integrating economic, social and environmental benefits.”
Mr Palmer’s original decommissioned aircraft has functioned as office space, a filming location, and is presently available for rental on AirBnB. The private jet resides on an industrial estate in Bristol and comes with a hot tub and sauna and can cost up to £850per night.
Originally constructed in 1968 and converted into a private jet in 1981, the aircraft remained operational until 2012 – when it completed its final flight to Filton Airfield.
Mr Palmer explained he now provides guests with the opportunity to experience billionaire living at 32,000 feet.
Speaking previously, he said: “It was built in 1968 for Japan Airlines and in 1981 it got converted into a private jet. It had a series of owners.
“Eventually it could not fly anymore and in 2012 it was decommissioned.
The Escobar plane
“There is a bit of a roll play cosplay thing going on there – people enjoy that experience and living that fantasy for a little while and then living their normal lives.
“The contrast – billionaire and real life – is actually really healthy to people.”
Numerous rumours have circulated regarding the jet’s former owners – including suggestions of an Arab prince and the Mafia.
“Someone said that Pablo Escobar might have owned it for a while,” he revealed.
“As to where it came before that who knows – that doesn’t change the fact that we are doing so many positive stuff with it now.”
The unusual Airbnb features two double bedrooms with ensuite facilities and showers, as well as seats which can convert into beds.
It includes walnut panelling, leather seating, gold-plated shower and toilet facilities – alongside the original fully-equipped cockpit. Whilst the aircraft lacks wings or engines, every other feature functions properly including the airstairs, lighting, three loos, shower, kitchen, fridge and numerous cockpit lights.
Johnny explained: “I always wanted to have a private jet and this was an opportunity to get one – the thing that I wanted was never a plane that flew it was just having a private jet so this was perfect.
“I just think they are cool – I just like airplanes. Everyone wants a private jet, right?”.
“On industrial estates people don’t really care what you do because visually they are not very nice as they are so that gives a creative opportunity to do weird things like airplanes.
“Whereas if I tried to do this in agricultural or residential setting you just wouldn’t get planning permission for it.”
The most affordable evenings in the aircraft cost £250 whilst peak nights reach £850 per evening.
Peak periods occur during August and it’s almost completely booked throughout the entire year.
He previously said of the second plane: “This one will be bigger and much more impressive. And much higher and a bigger structure.”