Retired Boeing 747 aircraft are finding new life as unconventional tourist attractions, transforming into venues for dining, sleeping, and even diving. These iconic planes, once the queens of the skies, have been creatively repurposed in various parts of the world, from a vibrant entertainment hub in Las Vegas to an underwater coral reef in Bahrain. This innovative reuse not only preserves the legacy of these historic aircraft but also offers visitors unique experiences that blend aviation history with modern leisure activities.
In Las Vegas, AREA15, a popular entertainment venue, has acquired a retired Boeing 747, intending to convert it into an immersive cocktail and dining experience. The plane, previously part of Burning Man's centerpiece, will feature neon lights, a restaurant, and a dance floor where the passenger cabin once was. Visitors will have access to the cockpit and upper deck via a grand staircase, creating a multi-level entertainment space. CEO Winton Fisher noted that this ambitious project represents a significant investment for the company, costing millions of dollars. Although the exact opening date remains undisclosed, the venue aims to offer an accessible public space for dining, drinking, and socializing.
The versatility of the Boeing 747 is evident in its diverse transformations. In England, one such aircraft has been converted into a party venue at Cotswold Airport. British Airways retired its fleet of 747s in 2020 due to the pandemic, but airport CEO Suzannah Harvey saw potential in preserving one of these jumbos. For £1 ($1.30), she purchased the aircraft and transformed it into an event space suitable for weddings, birthdays, and corporate functions. The venue, which opened in 2022, features original cabin seats, a dance floor, and bar facilities, all within the spacious interior of the plane. Despite the hefty rental rates ranging from £1,000 ($1,285) per hour to £12,000 ($15,400) for 24 hours, the 747 offers a unique and luxurious setting for special occasions.
In Sweden, the "Jumbo Stay" hostel-hotel near Stockholm Arlanda Airport provides travelers with a novel accommodation option. Located a short bus ride from the terminal, this repurposed 747 offers 33 bedrooms, including unique suites inside the cockpit and engine rooms. The nose section houses a lounge and kitchen, while a deck extends over one of the wings. Originally flown by Singapore Airlines in 1976, the plane has served multiple airlines before settling permanently at Arlanda in 2009. Room rates vary from 450 SEK ($44) for hostel-style dorms to 1,895 SEK ($185) for private suites, making it an affordable yet memorable stay for visitors.
One of the most extraordinary transformations occurred off the coast of Bahrain, where a 747 was sunk to create an artificial coral reef. UAE-based Falcon Aircraft Recycling modified the plane's wings and ensured it met environmental standards before sinking it in 2019. This underwater theme park has attracted divers from over 50 countries, offering a unique diving experience approximately 65 feet below sea level. Although tours were paused during the pandemic, the site remains a testament to the creative repurposing of retired aircraft, blending aviation history with marine conservation.
In Atlanta, Delta Air Lines has turned a retired 747 into an educational exhibit at the Delta Flight Museum. Once the first-ever 747-400 built by Boeing, this aircraft now serves as the "747 Experience," showcasing the plane's inner systems and historical significance. Visitors can explore the DeltaOne cabins, cockpit, and wing areas, gaining insights into the engineering marvels that made the 747 a cornerstone of commercial aviation. The museum, included in the $15 adult ticket, offers an engaging look into the evolution of air travel and the enduring legacy of the Boeing 747.
These innovative projects highlight the versatility and enduring appeal of the Boeing 747. By transforming these retired aircraft into unique attractions, they not only preserve aviation history but also provide exciting new ways for people to engage with these iconic planes. Whether as entertainment venues, party spaces, hotels, or underwater wonders, the 747 continues to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring its place in both the past and future of aviation.