Looking for somewhere different to stay or eat, then look no further….

Staying in a converted aircraft or helicopter is becoming more popular. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer around the world to satisfy our need to be close to things that fly (or used to).

Host Unusual – an upmarket glamping website offers a selection of aircraft and helicopters at various locations in the UK and abroad. There are 18 properties listed, so here’s just a selection.

The most expensive being the Private Jet Villa at Uluwatu, Bali. It appears to be a redundant B737, possibly a BBJ, that’s been converted into luxury accommodation. It’s cliff-top location adding to its exclusivity. There’s a cockpit jacuzzi. You’re looked after by your own butler and chef. Not surprisingly, it’s adults only!

Two Sea King Helicopters located at Pinewood Park, Scarborough offer glamping with a twist. Once the mainstay of Royal Navy and RAF for search and rescue operations, these examples have been sympathetically restored. The flightdecks are still intact, will all the instruments. So, if the weather’s bad you can plan your flights and imagine you are on a real mission!

Next, we head to Stockholm in Sweden for the Jumbostay 747. Located at the city’s Arlanda Airport, full use has been made of this aircraft built in 1976. Boasting 33 rooms, ranging from dorm-style to private. There are even 2 suites, Black Box and Cockpit, the latter still retains the instrument panel! There’s an onboard café and observation deck along the wings which gives views of the runway. A conference suite is available for unique business meetings.

In the Brislington district of Bristol is the creative hub of Skyline Park. Housed here is the PYTCHAir 727. Mounted on cloud-painted shipping containers, the aircraft is fitted out to lavish private jet standards. It was converted from passenger to private use in the early 1980s, but there’s no record of who owned it. Sadly there are no wings or engines, but it still boasts a fully lit cockpit….

If you love propeller aircraft, then Vliegtuigsuite housed at Teuge International Airport in The Netherlands is for you. Although the aircraft type is not stated, it was used by the Dutch Government to carry up to 120 passengers around the world, “in blissful comfort”. The flightdeck is still fully equipped, so there’s an opportunity to play out your childhood, or adult, dreams of being a pilot! A luxury suite for 2 guests only, it boasts many facilities reflecting high-end air travel.

I haven’t quoted any prices as these will vary depending on your local currency. More information on all the sites can be found at https://hostunusual.com/categories/planes-helicopters

And now for some unusual places to eat –

You would need to travel a long way to find this unique branch of McDonalds. Located in Taupo, New Zealand, it’s partly housed in a DC3. There are seats inside the aircraft and you can view the cockpit as well!

You don’t have to travel too far for this one if you’re in the UK. Steaks on a Plane is housed in half a B737, with its wings removed. Located on the A676 in Bolton, Greater Manchester. Although the interior has been transformed into a sleek diner, the original flight deck remains intact.

In Colorado Springs USA is The Airplane Restaurant. Housed in a Boeing KC-97; the aircraft was built in 1953 and for many years refuelled planes across the world. There’s space for 42 diners inside. To join the aircraft to the main building meant that one wing and an engine had to be removed. The project took 10 years from finding the aircraft to opening the restaurant. Extra time should be allowed to see the vast collection of aviation memorabilia on display.

These are not personal recommendations, so I take no responsibility for any problems there may be with accommodation or food!

And finally….

Instagram – for anyone who has enjoyed his witty posts and excellent photos, congratulations go to Jet2’s Pilot Flood who has now moved to BA and the A380 programme.

Idling Engines – some avgeeks have strange ideas about the environmental effects of aircraft and air travel. A few have taken to social media live chat to criticise the amount of fuel wasted when aircraft are sat at holding points. Yes, some miss slots and may have to wait more than 30 minutes for a new one. However, waiting a few minutes with engines running is also attracting their interest. An aircraft engine, unlike a car one, will not benefit from constantly being switched off and on. It’s also a lengthy process that will cause knock-on delays to other flights. I’ll leave it there…..

Information courtesy of Host Unusual, The Points Guy, Manchester Evening News

Images courtesy of Host Unusual, The Points Guy

©TPSC, LadyJet2 and photo/diagram suppliers