From Singapore Airlines to Pan Am Clipper to hostel

Jumbostay's aircraft is a retired model 747-212B produced in 1976. The aircraft was last operated by Transjet - a Swedish airline that collapsed into bankruptcy in 2002. Transjet existed only fleetingly between 2001 and 2002 and was based at Arlanda Airport. Transjet resulted from its predecessor, Swe Aviation Europe, being renamed/merged into the short-lived Swedish airline, Transjet.

  • Type: Boeing 747-212B
  • Produced: 1976
  • Serial number: 21162 LN:283

Jumbostay's Boeing 747's construction number was 21162 / line number 283 and was registered as 9V-SQE. In Pan Am service, it was registered as N727PA (and named "Clipper Belle of the Sky").

According to Airfleets.net, the 747 served around a dozen airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Pan Am, Tower Air, Nationair, Cathay Pacific, Garuda Indonesia, Transjet, and others. Its notable flights included PA 99 (London to Miami), SQ 37 (Bangkok to Amsterdam), and SQ 37 (Singapore to Bangkok).

Pan Am took delivery of the Jumbo in June 1984 but by August 1992, it was delivered to Nationair (Pa Am flew its final flight in December 1991 following its bankruptcy).

How the Queen of the Skies Jumbo became a hotel

The owner of the jumbo hotel, Oscar Diös, first heard of the retired aircraft for sale in 2006 and jumped on the opportunity to buy it and convert it into a unique hotel. He called his Jumbo 'Liv' after his daughter.

"Welcome to Jumbo Stay. A unique hotel in a Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet. An exclusive experience in the world with great sleeping comfort right on the airport ARN, Stockholm-Arlanda. We are open for Check-In every day of the week." - Jumbostay

Jumbostay must be one of the world's coolest stays. Opened in 2009, Jumbostay has been the first time a jumbo jet was converted into a hotel. It has proven to be an exciting option for aviation enthusiasts as well as families and business people looking for a memorable and unique experience.

The rooms on the old 747 "Queen of the Skies" accommodate one to three adults, and it has 4-bed male and female dormitories.

Cockpit Suite on the Jumbostay hostel in Sweden
Photo: EQRoy l Shutterstock

This particular 747 was originally built for Singapore Airlines and even later served with the legendary Pan Am (whose legacy lives on today). The aircraft is parked at the Arlanda Airport (Sweden's largest airport), where its landing gear is secured in steel cradles. Its old interior was removed, and 450 seats were taken off of the plane. It was remodeled to accommodate a hotel compliant with relevant regulations.

Jumbostay's accommodation options

The jumbo accommodates 33 rooms with a total of 76 beds. While the Jumbo is advertised as a hostel, most of its accommodations are private. Most of the bedrooms have shared bathroom facilities, but a few have private bathrooms with a shower.

  • Number of Rooms: 33 Rooms
  • Number of Beds: 76 Beds
Interior of Jumbostay in SwedenPhoto: Bahnfrend | Wikimedia Commons

The Jumbo's hostel accommodation includes two and four-bed dorms - these are divided into male and female rooms (no mixed dorms). Those tempted to spend a night at Jumbostay can plan ahead and reserve the luxury suite inside the old cockpit. The cockpit suite boasts sweeping views of Stockholm's Arlanda Airport. Prices start at 450 SEK or approximately $43 per night for a bed in a four-bed male or female dorm. The most expensive room is the Double Bed Ensuite Cockpit room, which starts at 1850 SEK or approximately $177. Singles are available from 700 SEK or approx. $67 and standard doubles are from 1200 SEK or approximately $115.