Resurrecting Grounded Jets

Johnny Palmer recently bought the relic of a Boeing 727-100 VP-CMN for less than the cost of an average car to repurpose it as an event centre for Pytch, his broadcast, creative and technical business out of Brislington, Bristol, England.

The jet, which is said to have a mysterious history, had been stored in the yard of Cotswold Airport for a decade before Palmer laid eyes on it and wanted it for his own. Conscientious about air emissions and waste, the entrepreneur began the thirteen-month plus process of registering the aircraft for transport to his warehouse location.

Rain and soggy weather prohibited the transport since any movement from the 120-foot fuselage would have sunk the 27-ton vehicle into the ground. It stayed at the airport for weeks until the earth dried up.

On Saturday February 27, 2021 mats were placed underneath its wheels and the 1968 aircraft slid from its spot effortlessly. It took from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. that afternoon driving 20 kilometers an hour, taking up two lanes of roadway, barely scraping underpasses and several hairy turns to bring it to its new home.

“We traced ownership to the Cayman Island but lost the trail,” said Palmer. “These people are extremely discreet.”

Whatever the case, Palmer expects to keep the interior chandeliers, seats, tables and wooden wall panel as is. Amber lighting will remain intact enhanced by well positioned LEDs. Sophisticated sound and technology will be hidden behind the walls, oblivious to passengers on board. Already, the aircraft has a film gig booked this month.

“There is a lot of space. It can likely take on more without the engines.” Back in its day, it was permitted 17 people on board. Cleaners are now treating the interior with beeswax. A few pieces need reupholstering. “I think we will change them to white leather.”

He had the first 10 meters cut and transported to the family hobby farm, including the cockpit, after the land on where it was sitting had been sold to Cox Automotive and the museum of jets taken off the property.

He hopes to begin the project in October of this year, once the large solid oak barn has been renovated into a family home. The completion date is set close to Christmas. Then, the five-ton piece will be trailered to his friend’s camper resort four miles down the way to be enjoyed by guests.

“Glamping is really big here. I think I will rent out the VC10 nacelle and the Boeing 737 static caravan and be quite busy with bookings,” Jones said.

Though he laughs as he says his sons, Daniel and Benjamin, “think daddy’s crackers,” tremendous support has been given to him by the family.

“I am an engineer by trade and gifted with skilled hands. I can make anything out of anything.”

Personally driven, he approaches projects with the same methodical discipline he learnt in the military. What some people think of as overwhelming, Jones shrugs. “I just get on with it, really.”

Since the two planes were parked without buyers, Sangtang decided to turn them into coffee shops in June of 2020. What he didn’t expect was the onslaught of visitors on their first day opening. An estimated 1,500 people arrived for a signature coffee war java and to have their pictures taken onboard a jet. Police arrived and the doors closed for seven days to institute COVID-19 screening measures. The frenzy has since relaxed, and hours of operation regulated from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“I have done most of the interior design with the help of coworkers,” he said. “We still may sell the aircraft in the future, so I haven’t done much decorating.”

More than a good cup of Joe, 331 Station Coffee War is a hiking and camping equipment store. The surrounding land has been made into a BB gun shooting range, a Go-kart service and food centre.