While your idea of an airport hotel might be a big brick building with rectangular rooms, passengers flying out of the Arlanda Airport in Stockholm can choose to get some pre-departure shuteye onboard a retired aircraft called the Jumbo Hostel. The plane was grounded almost ten years ago, and plans to turn it into an eccentric inn have finally resulted in a polished product.
The Boeing 747 jumbo jet retains some of its defining features including lounges furnished with reclining seats and a preserved cockpit that's been converted into a luxury suite. The long and narrow cylindrical cabin has been divided into rooms, primarily fitted with single beds, that each accommodate anywhere from one to four people. Catering to a dormitory style experience as well, the Jumbo Hostel still costs anywhere from $62 to $515 per night.
What's Driving This Trend
- Aircraft Accommodation
- The trend of converting grounded aircrafts into accommodations provides a unique and potentially cost-effective lodging experience.
- Eccentric Hotels
- The trend towards converting unusual properties into hotels offers an opportunity for creative and adventurous entrepreneurs to attract unconventional guests.
- Luxury Travel
- The trend towards luxury accommodations, such as the converted cockpit suite on the Jumbo Hostel, is an opportunity to attract high-end travelers looking for unique experiences.
Who This Affects Most
- Hospitality
- The hospitality industry can capitalize on the trend towards converting unusual properties, such as grounded aircrafts, into lodging accommodations to offer unique experiences and differentiate from competitors.
- Travel
- The travel industry can take advantage of the rise of eccentric hotels to market to adventure seekers and travelers looking for unconventional accommodations.
- Aviation
- The aviation industry can potentially explore partnerships with companies that specialize in converting retired aircraft into accommodations and promote sustainable initiatives by giving new use to retired planes.
