A private jet once linked to Pablo Escobar has been transformed and listed as luxury accommodation on Airbnb, offering guests the opportunity to experience the lavish lifestyle associated with the infamous drug lord.
The Boeing 727, now called PYTCHAir, has been extensively restored and is located on an industrial estate in Bristol, UK. It features luxurious interiors with walnut paneling, leather seats, and even gold-plated fixtures, including showers and toilets, giving a glimpse of the opulence once enjoyed by one of history's most notorious figures.
Johnny Palmer, the businessman behind this ambitious project, shared insights on the jet's transformation. Originally built in 1968, the aircraft was made for private use after its purchase by Escobar's associates and was decommissioned in 2012. Palmer purchased the jet and spent several years restoring its 1980s-style interior, which was done with the help of skilled professionals. "I did a lot of the electrical work myself, and I had a plumber and a carpenter—many people were involved in the process," he said.
The interior design reflects the era and extravagance of the jet's supposed former owner, creating what Palmer describes as not just lodging but also an immersive experience. "There is a bit of roleplay cosplay thing going on there—people enjoy living like a billionaire at 32," he noted.
The jet boasts two double bedrooms each with en suite toilets and showers, as well as seats convertible to beds. A gold-plated shower and toilet adds to the sense of lavishness, complemented by additional amenities such as outdoor showers, hot tubs, and saunas, all ensuring a unique stay for guests.
Prices for staying at PYTCHAir vary significantly based on the season, starting from £250 (approximately $311) per night, with peak prices hitting £850 (around $1,056). Palmer indicated income generated from the Airbnb business will be reinvested to continue enhancing the jet and the overall guest experience.
The arrival of the jet on Airbnb taps deeply not only one of the most criminalized figures of the 20th century but also reflects societal fascination with Escobar's lavish lifestyle, characterized by wealth and violence. Despite its disturbing history associated with drug trafficking and crime, the jet's listing—while it does not openly advertise its link to Escobar—certainly piques curiosity about the drug lord's excesses.
The legacy of Pablo Escobar as the king of cocaine lingers on, making headlines even years after his death in 1993, when he was fatally shot during a confrontation with Colombian authorities. The Boeing 727's transition from drug kingpin's private transport to quirky Airbnb project embodies this contradictory narrative of fascination and repulsion.
Much like the story of this jet, the legacy of Escobar offers not just tales of despair and crime but also draws people day by day, whether through documentaries, books, or unique accommodations like PYTCHAir. The juxtaposition of luxury within the framework of such nefarious history invites discussions about social perception surrounding figures like Escobar—those whose lives are shrouded both with opulence and infamy.