Owner of ‘Pablo Escobar plane’ used as Airbnb embroiled in row over noisy parties

A man who rents out a plane on Airbnb – reportedly once owned by Pablo Escobar – is embroiled in a row with neighbours over plans to add another aircraft.

Residents living near the Boeing 727 fuselage say they are fed up with people holding noisy parties in the plane, which sits on an industrial site in Brislington, Bristol.

Johnny Palmer, 41, bought the plane after it was decommissioned and had it transported to the city in 2021.

The aircraft has functioned as office space, a filming location, and is currently available to rent on AirBnB.

He has now submitted a new planning application to Bristol City Council for a second Boeing project – this time to be used as an office and meeting space.

The ‘Escobar plane’ rests upon a number of shipping containers and Johnny wants the second plane to sit higher, at a a height of around three storeys.

But he is facing a battle from people living nearby, who have written to the council to object the plans.

One resident wrote: ‘It is too close to the houses and you can hear music and parties that they have already.’

They noted that new houses are set to be built near the site, which will leave even more residents impacted.

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 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.’

A number of letters have also been submitted to the council in support of plans.

In his application, Johnny said the second plane would be a hub for co-working and office spaces and include 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.’

The Airbnb plane boasts a hot tub and sauna and can cost up to £850 per night.

Originally built in 1968 and fitted out as a private jet in 1981, the aircraft was still flying up until 2012 – when it made its final journey to Filton Airfield in Gloucestershire.

Johnny has previously said the plane offers people the chance to live like a billionaire at 32-feet.

Speaking about the aircraft’s history added: ‘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 role 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.’

There have been many rumours about who the previous owners of the jet were – with an Arab prince and the Mafia among the potential owners.

‘Someone said that Pablo Escobar might have owned it for a while,” he 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.’

The Airbnb also features two double bedrooms with ensuite toilets and showers, as well as seats which can convert into beds.

There’s walnut panelling, leather seats, a gold plated shower and toilet, as well as the original fully-fitted cockpit.

While the aircraft does not have wings or engines, all other features work including the airstairs, lighting, the toilets, shower, kitchen, fridge and many of the cockpit lights.

Johnny said: ‘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.’

Prices to stay in the Airbnb plane start at £250 a night off-peak and it’s almost always fullybooked the whole year.

Johnny previously said of the second plane: ‘This one will be bigger and much more impressive. And much higher and a bigger structure.’

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