Aerotel welcomes Boeing 722 VIP
The Boeing 727 VIP Aerotel arrived safely in town and was well received en route to Hoedspruit.
Motorists and pedestrians stopped to take photos and videos in the towns it passed through and its progress was followed and reported on social media.
The route used by the VIP plane during its five-day long drive from OR Tambo International Airport was Bapsfontein, Groblersdal, Marble Hall, Mokopane, Polokwane, Tzaneen, Mica, The Oaks until its destination at the Zandspruit Bush and Aero Estate in Hoedspruit recently.
Because freight is not allowed on highways, during peak traffic times, when it’s raining, on public holidays or over weekends, it was left with limited travel time and routes.
The plane will become a part of the Aerotel Aviator Boutique Hotel which was established by Martin and Tracy den Dunnen in 2019.
“We wanted to rebuild a decommissioned plane into something useful. It was always about the journey not the end result and Aerotel evolved from this idea.”
This is the second VIP plane and the couple is excited about their establishment.
“We are definitely proud and satisfied at what we have achieved, but again, it was never for the prestige, status or recognition, we have a passion for aeroplanes and find it sad that these beautiful flying machines end up on scrapyards, chopped up for scrap metal.
“Each aeroplane remains an engineering marvel and it needs adequate recognition,” she said.
She told Herald that the five-day drive was very fast compared to the first one which took nine days.
Also read: WATCH: The Boeing has landed in Hoedspruit
Tracy said people who spotted the plane were super excited, sending photos, video footage and greeting the driver.
She thanked the community of Hoedspruit for their continuous support.
“The majority are as excited as we are, having the vision to see how the uniqueness of the project can benefit Hoedspruit.
“You can never please everyone, but again, that has never been the goal,” she said.
Tracy said because they opened directly after lockdown, they have been accommodating mostly South Africans due to international travel restrictions that are still in place.
“But there have been guests from Europe and America who have travelled to South Africa for extended stays,” she said.
The new Boeing 727 VIP will be used as one unit and will accommodate up to six people, while the Boeing 737-200 has six rooms, 12 beds overlooking the African bush and the northern Drakensberg mountains.
