Retired British Boeing Converted into Disco Hall, Open Air Rental Location as Airport Fundraiser

A British Airways Boeing 747 is seeing new life as a flightless lounge following its purchase as a grounded party venue.

The aircraft has opened for business as Cotswold Airport looks to recoup their investment - a princely sum of $1.35. The plane will see out the rest of its life as the site of wedding receptions, publicity meetings, and public events for those looking to have a truly unique occasion.  

British Airways, faced with declining travel amid a world of lockdowns, initially stored its 747s at Cotswold with an eye towards a return to service, should demand rise quickly enough. Aging and in the process of being replaced, Airways accelerated the retirement of the aircraft. While many were junked, Airport CEO Suzannah Harvey inquired about retaining a single unit to preserve the history of the marque and possibly convert it into an attraction for the area. THe airline sold it to the airport for a single pound sterling. Part of the deal stipulates that the airport is entrusted with the plane "as long as it is financially practical for the public use." 

Cotswold has invested £500,000 to convert the jet into a type of venue, with over half the funding used to create an extended concrete slab off the side of a taxiway for its permanent parking spot. On board, the two-story deck has been converted, with the economy section being reformed into a disco hall, replete with neon, lights, and music with its own DJ booth. The galleys are now a bar, and the main hall an open deck with variable seating for rent.

The roof and upper section of the plane have been stripped away, showing off the innards of the fuselage and all their complex engineering. Changes have aimed to retain as much of its airplane DNA as possible, like the rewiring and installation of the original lighting system of the aircraft without the ceiling, lending the hall a more airy, open feel while maintaining visibility inside. The upper deck has been retained as-is so far, with the seats and in-flight entertainment systems set to be reassigned as a movie-night locale.

Recently the aircraft saw use as the set for a movie, the perfect stage to film airplane scenes with plenty of space for crew behind the cameras. The price, for now, runs about $1,350 an hour, or $16,000 for a full day. The income goes to support the venue, the airport, and scholarship programs that see students obtain their private licenses and build the foundation of their aviation careers. The plane is open for business from March 1st, 2022. 

FMI: www.cotswoldairport.com