A flight instructor has converted a former DHL jet into an incredible Airbnb, with its own wing deck and functioning sauna.
Jon Kotwicki was putting together his own flight school when he came up with the idea of buying an old, disused plane for visitors to stay in.
The 32-year old found two old decommissioned planes – the DHL and an Everts Air Cargo.
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Renovations of the former have just finished with it now open for guests to book a truly unique stay.
“I wanted to create a place where people could come from around the world to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Jon, from Alaska, US, told Luxury Travel Daily.
“Alaska is an amazing place but to visit and see it by air is a whole other experience from what your average tourist gets to see on holiday.
“To make it even more special, I wanted to create unique accommodations here on our private runway where pilots, aviation enthusiasts and regular holiday makers could enjoy the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness in comfort.
“And still have the convenience of being able to drive to a grocery store, restaurants, other attractions, as well as depart on private tours or flight lessons right from our property.”
Both of the planes are located in Wasilla.
For now, the Everts Air Cargo still has work to be done but the DHL is ready to rolll.
The DHL, known as a DC9 – which was sourced from his local airport – looks rather unsuspecting from the outside, but the interior has been totally transformed.
In a nod to its former use, the open-plan living space is crafted with the kitchen along where the seats would normally go, with authentic features including operational cabin doors, DHL branded walls and the cockpit still in place.
One toilet has been converted to include a shower, while the other remains just a loo.
There is also the impressive sauna located at the back of the plane behind steel doors, complete with a fireplace and benched seating.
The living area has plenty of natural light thanks to the 26 windows equipped, overhead compartment lights and doors to the west wing.
Along here is where you can find the outdoor, decked seating area, BBQ and decorative fairy lights.
The property is available from £450 per night and sleeps seven guests, with three double beds and one sofa fitted inside.
Jon added: “I think most guests have trouble choosing their absolute favourite feature from the plane!
“From the aircraft tire made into a coffee table to the beer fridge in the cockpit, to the wing deck overlooking the Chugach Mountains.
“Their mouths usually hang open for between 10-30 seconds before they say something along the lines of ‘holy cow’ or ‘this is amazing!’”
Jon hopes to buy and renovate two more planes in the future.
