The authentic ex-British Airways 747 is used as a flight simulator in Manchester
The authentic ex-British Airways 747 is used as a flight simulator in Manchester
You can now buy the top deck of a real Boeing 747 which is used as a part of a popular flight simulator experience in Manchester.
The authentic ex-British Airways 747 has hit the market and has been home to The Deck experience – last year visited by the Manchester Evening News – a lifelike simulator that transformed the cockpit using realistic screens.
The top deck was transformed into the high-end simulator experience, in Barton, offering visitors the chance to test out their take off and landing skills at airports across the globe.
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According to Luxury Property News, the former aircraft deck and business is on sale for £440,000. Advertised by Knightsbridge Business Sales Limited, the listing offers describes the former 747 top deck as being ‘converted’ to offer ‘flight simulation packages’.
The listing reads: “Simulator is a genuine ex-British Airways 747 top deck that has been converted.
“Offers flight simulation packages and event hosting for personal occasions such as birthdays, weddings, fear of flying and educational groups, and corporate gatherings.
“Established market presence, with circa 1,800 annual bookings. Various untapped potential revenue streams. Offers a suitable and cost-effective filming location.
“Boasts approximately 30,000 social media followers across TikTok, Facebook and Instagram and a five-star Tripadvisor rating.”
The Deck 747 Manchester
The huge aircraft first flew in 1998 and consisted of 14 first class, 86 business class, 30 premium economy and 145 economy seats. In 2009, the crew battled a ‘low altitude stall’ in South Africa. It was stabilised and an emergency landing was made.
The plane was retired in March 2020 and was stored in Cardiff before it was moved to Cotswold Airport to be broken up. The top deck was saved from scrap by the team behind The Deck – and it was transported to be completely reimagined in its current home at City Airport in Barton in August 2022.
A Boeing 747 when it arrived in Manchester in 2022(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The Manchester Evening News visited The Deck last year and tried out the experience. The impressive 180 degree simulator display was wrapped around the front of the aircraft, giving visitors the view of a pilot and emulating a life-like flying experience.
It was the only 747-400 aircraft upper deck experience in the north of England. The lit business class cabin has retained all the original fixtures, including the safety cards and even the in-flight menus.
Based at Barton Aerodrome, near the Trafford Centre, The Deck previously offered cockpit workshops, on-board tours and one-to-one fear of flying sessions with a former British Airways 747 captain, as well as being a fully licensed venue for wedding or event hire.