A once-forgotten private jet has been given a new lease of life, now serving as an eye-catching Airbnb in the heart of the Welsh countryside. The converted aircraft, situated in Dolgellau, Gwynedd, welcomes guests eager for an unconventional escape, blending aviation nostalgia with the comforts of home.
This unique project is the work of Tamir Ali, a 38-year-old classic car restorer from Leicester. Driven by his penchant for quirky restoration projects, Tamir acquired a section of a 1970s Hawker jet in December 2023. The aircraft, once the workhorse of an oil company’s staff transport fleet during the 1970s and 80s, had been retired and left languishing until Tamir spotted its potential.
To facilitate transport and redevelopment, the jet had to be severed in half and stripped of its wings. Tamir then poured seven months—and nearly £90,000—into a meticulous conversion process. Speaking about his ambitious venture, he explained, “It looked pretty rough to begin with. The nose cone was loose, there was no door, and mould and moss had taken over the interior. Yet from the outset, I could picture transforming it into something special.”
The result of Tamir’s vision is a striking holiday home that artfully reimagines aviation heritage. The jet-turned-lodging, aptly named “Alaya Airways” after Tamir’s youngest daughter, caters for up to two adults and two children. Inside, guests will find two snug bedrooms, a modern kitchen with all the essential equipment, and a bathroom complete with a shower. Stepping outside, visitors can unwind in a dedicated seating area, surrounded by the scenic Welsh countryside.
Retaining the aircraft’s original cockpit, the property offers a genuine sense of stepping aboard a private jet from a bygone era. “It’s a real wow-factor,” Tamir enthused. “People always comment on how much more spacious it feels compared to what they expect from the outside. And, for aviation lovers, sitting in the cockpit is a rare treat.”
Tamir recounts that bringing Alaya Airways to life presented a range of challenges. The overhaul involved fitting new wooden flooring, installing a completely revamped electrical system, and building a bespoke entrance. He also annexed a 16ft by 9ft cabin to enhance the living space, ensuring the jet was equipped for comfortable overnight stays.
Interest from potential guests has soared, with the property already reaching a 70% occupancy rate in just three weeks since being listed on Airbnb. Pet lovers will be pleased to know that the accommodation is also pet-friendly, making it an attractive retreat for families seeking something out of the ordinary.
The local area of Dolgellau adds further appeal, offering guests the rugged beauty of North Wales on their doorstep. With an asking price of £170 per night, demand for this distinctive glamping pod continues to grow as word spreads online about the one-of-a-kind stay.
Reflecting on the project, Tamir is candid about his motivation: “I’ve been surrounded by people with eccentric hobbies and collections all my life. When a friend in Essex mentioned this jet, I knew it was the perfect challenge.” Now, with guests embracing both the novelty and comfort of the refurbished aircraft, Alaya Airways stands as a testament to creative restoration and Welsh hospitality.
For those keen to see more or book a night in this slice of airborne luxury grounded in the countryside, the listing can be explored online, offering a rare blend of adventure, history, and home comforts in the heart of Wales. As tourism trends favour unique and memorable getaways, Dolgellau’s jet-set accommodation certainly offers a journey quite unlike any other.