
My neighbour built an Airbnb from ‘Pablo Escobar's plane' – we can't stand the noise & now he wants ANOTHER Boeing 727
Johnny Palmer, 41, converted an abandoned Boeing 727 into a rental and now plans to build the "world's coolest office" from another jet.
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Johnny transported the plane back to Bristol in February 2021 and built the innovative Airbnb with the aim of making guests "feel like billionaires".
The eccentric British-Australian entrepreneur has submitted a new application to convert a second Boeing 727 into an office and meeting space.
But his plans to place the fuselage at the Brislington industrial estate - where the original jet sits - have been put on hold.
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.
"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."
A third objector wrote: "It is not going to do anything for the area except attract more trouble.
Inside Pablo Escobar's haunting $10m abandoned mansion with toxic swimming pool & double-thick walls for hiding cocaine
"It's hard enough when they have parties in there and you can hear the music all around the Brislington area and Broomhill."
Johnny's Airbnb, nearly fully booked year-round, sits atop a stack of shipping containers.
The businessman previously said the industrial estate location gave him "a creative opportunity to do weird things like airplanes".
This, he said, was because people do not have strong opinions about the look of the area - a claim that has since turned out to be off the mark.
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Johnny plans to make the second aircraft taller than the first - about the height of three storeys.
The entrepreneur previously said: "This one will be bigger and much more impressive. And much higher and a bigger structure."
In supporting documents received by Bristol City Council, Johnny said the structure would serve as a hub for co-working, office space, a coffee shop and other facilities.
He wrote: "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."
Johnny's "Escobar" Airbnb has proven to be practical, functioning not only as a rental but as office space and even a filming set.
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During peak periods - often in August - the nightly rate can reach £850, while the lowest prices drop to around £250 per night.
The fully kitted-out 727 has a sauna, a hot tub, space for four guests and a full kitchen.
It also boasts luxurious touches, including walnut panelling, leather seats, a gold-plated shower and toilet, plus the original fully fitted cockpit.
Though the aircraft lacks wings and engines, it still features working air-stairs, lighting, three toilets, a shower, kitchen, fridge and cockpit lights.
The aircraft was originally built in 1968 before being converted into a private jet in 1981.
It was still flying up until 2012 when it made its final journey to Filton Airfield.
Johnny previously 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.
"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."
Rumours swirl about the jet's past owners - with stories ranging from an Arab prince to the Mafia.
"Someone said that Pablo Escobar might have owned it for a while," Johnny said.
"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."
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