Man behind Pablo Escobar’s plane Airbnb planning next project

By Tom Bevan

A man who built the "world's coolest Airbnb" from Pablo Escobar's plane has been given the green light for a second Boeing scheme - despite fears over "noisy parties."

Johnny Palmer, 41, created the unique accommodation in the abandoned Boeing 727 plane once owned by the drug lord to make guests "feel like billionaires."

He has now been granted planning permission to carry out a second Boeing project - this time in a bid to create the "world's coolest office."

Bristol City Council gave the go-ahead after the scheme received 77 letters of support and 15 objections.

Palmer previously said those objecting to the scheme - including concerns over 'noisy parties' on the old Escobar airliner - just amount to personal criticism - and claims he is in the process of creating something special.

And after the decision, he said: "This is going to be Bristol's second most iconic structure. People will think of Bristol and picture the Clifton suspension bridge and Ground Force.

"I am delighted Bristol City Council finally gave full planning consent.

"Ground Force" is an epic mixed use development incorporating a cafe, co-working space, office, wellness facility, first class lounge and a Boeing 727 private jet for events, film and private hire.

"We will also incorporate the Aether Sauna "Sky Sauna" which will be a community sauna with incredible city skyline views - this will be the highest sauna in the southwest.

"People are often critical of UK planning policy. While the process was lengthy I am delighted that the excellent people at Bristol City Council can see a vision beyond what anyone has done before in the city.

"This is a continuation of my first foray into aviation-based property development which will allow us to implement all the lessons learnt from the first one and also push the boundaries of what can be done with containers.

"This project will be epic and push the needle on what is possible on industrial estates. I also hope it will inspire young engineers and entrepreneurs globally as to how they can enhance their communities and build fun, sustainable businesses."

In approving the application, council planners said the proposed development was "located far enough from residential development to not be overbearing.

It's report added: "Objections were received in regard to noise to neighboring occupiers.

"Whilst the LPA notes these concerns, the development here has been shown and assessed as office space.

"Within its context, the additional uses would not be considered to give rise to increased noise pollution given that it is located within an established industrial estate."

As part of the application, Palmer submitted formal responses to each complaint - that range from calling it a 'vanity project," a "publicity stunt" and one that labelled the first plane an "absolute eyesore."

He was also told he "doesn't live there" and should "put it on his doorstep."

He said: " “It's not a surprise that not much gets done in poorer parts of the UK when some locals behave like this and attack the one person who is prepared to invest and make something new.

"But in reality the vast majority of people in the area are lovely and 90% of the people support the application.”

Palmer added: "Noise has never been directly attributed to the existing fuselage and the proposed one does not have any activities that will considerably increase noise.

"There have been, however, numerous events and venues in the area that make noise - but these are not relevant to or connected to the proposed development."

He claimed he was breathing fresh life into an industrial estate he described as "dull, riddled with asbestos and not much is happening."

He added: "It's the perfect place for this kind of amazing project as evidenced by the success of the first one."

The first airliner arrived in 2021 to much fanfare and has subsequently become a community resource and used by filmmakers, music video producers and event organizers.

With more land available and another aircraft for sale, Palmer said it was 'logical' to replicate the first project but on a bigger, better scale.

He added: “Cities are defined by their landmarks or skylines. In Bristol we have a bridge and some colorful houses which I love, but I think we can do better.

"I love the idea of Bristol being known as the place with the airliners on shipping containers. It adds to our global identity, inspires young engineers and is a spectacle to see.

"I want this project to be something that inspires more people to do more, think bigger, create better work."

Palmer said now he has secured planning permission ground works and other construction should start in January next year with an official launch of the space in March.

Palmer transported his initial Boeing 727 to Bristol in February 2021.

The current installation rests atop a stack of shipping containers, and he now plans to elevate the second aircraft even higher, equivalent to three storeys.

The 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 $1,109 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.

Palmer said he now offers guests the chance to "live like a billionaire at 32-feet."

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

It comes complete with walnut panelling, leather seats, a 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, three toilets, shower, kitchen, fridge and many of the cockpit lights.

The cheapest nights in the aircraft are $250 and the peak nights are $1,109 for the night.