Retired Pilot Transforms 1970s Private Jet into Luxury Airbnb Experience

When former commercial pilot James Whitaker purchased a decommissioned 1973 Hawker Siddeley HS-125 private jet, his neighbors thought he’d lost his bearings. Five years and countless restoration hours later, that same jet has become one of England’s most unique Airbnb listings – a fully converted luxury suite that preserves the aircraft’s original cockpit.

Parked permanently on Whitaker’s Derbyshire property, the jet offers guests an authentic aviation experience without ever leaving the ground. “I wanted to preserve the magic of flight while creating something completely new,” explains Whitaker, who spent 35 years flying for major airlines.

The transformation is remarkable. The former cabin now features a king-sized bed where seats once were, with original overhead bins converted to storage. The galley has been updated with modern appliances, while the lavatory boasts a surprisingly spacious shower. But the pièce de résistance remains the untouched cockpit, complete with functioning instruments that guests can explore.

“I’ve had aviation enthusiasts spend hours in that cockpit pretending to fly,” Whitaker laughs. “The control yoke still moves, and all the gauges light up at night.” A custom sound system even provides realistic engine noises on request.

The jet’s history adds to its charm. Originally owned by a Saudi prince, it later served as a corporate aircraft before being retired in 2012. Whitaker discovered it in a Florida boneyard and shipped it to England piece by piece.

Guests pay £350 per night for the experience, with bookings often made months in advance. “It’s not for everyone,” admits Whitaker. “But for those who dream of flight, there’s nothing else like it.” The success has inspired him to begin work on a second aircraft – a 1960s Vickers Viscount airliner.