June 11
LIMPOPO – The Boeing 727, which was seen in Polokwane on Wednesday (June 10), has arrived at its new home in Hoedspruit, where it will be turned into a hotel.
Read more here: [VIDEOS] Boeing 727 ‘lands’ in Hoedspruit
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June 10
POLOKWANE – Footage of the Aerotel Boeing 727 passing through Polokwane has left residents in awe.
Traffic was disrupted near Mall of the North on Wednesday (June 10) as the plane made it’s estimated four day journey to Hoedspruit.
From Polokwane, the plane will pass through Tzaneen, Gravelotte and eventually end up in Hoedspruit. Thereafter, it will take about four months before the Aerotel hotel will be able to take its first booking.
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June 9, 12:00
POLOKWANE – It’s not a bird, it’s a plane and it will be passing through Polokwane today.
Traffic is bound to be disrupted today, as an unusual sighting will pass through the city’s streets today. An aeroplane will make its way to Hoedspruit where it will be turned into the second Aerotel.
Review spoke to Myra Kotzé, assistant manager of Aerotel Hoedspruit, who said the aeroplane is a Boeing 727, unlike the first one, which was a Boeing 737.
“The first one was turned into six rooms, however, this plane will be turned into our VIP suite. Visitors will have the opportunity to rent out the whole plane,” she explained.
According to Aerotel Hoedspruit Limpopo’s Facebook page, the aviation themed boutique hotel will be coming soon and it is the brainchild of Martin den Dunnen and Riaan van Niekerk. Aerotel is a collaboration between Zandspruit Estates, Craft Bespoke Worx and specialist services provided by local Hoedspruit artisans and craftsmen.
The plane was spotted in Marble Hall yesterday and will reach Polokwane later today.
Tracey den Dunnen of Aerotel said the original plan was to have two planes on their premises.
“This plane is already equipped as a VIP experience and will have 18 beds inside. The idea of the hotels came about our love for flying and everything that goes with it. It just does not feel right that a plane should rust and this is in a way a second chance of life for the plane,” she explained.
Tracey said the whole travel experience is great for others.
“Some of them will make first contact with a plane, as it passes by, and experience how big it actually is. This plane is just immaculate,” she added.
Tracey said it is difficult to estimate when exactly the plane will arrive in Hoedspruit, due to various factors that play a role.
“This plane has moved a bit quicker than the first one, but various regulations need to be followed. From Polokwane, the plane will pass through Tzaneen, Gravelotte and eventually end up in Hoedspruit. Thereafter, it will take about four months before we will be able to take our first booking,” she concluded.
The Transport Department’s media liaison officer, Mike Maringa, confirmed to Review that the convoy will depart soon as they waited for traffic officers to escort the plane.
Motorists in the area are advised to exercise patience or use alternative routes where possible.
Send us your photos and videos of the plane passing through, to one of our social media platforms listed below.
