Is that the sound of hydraulics or wedding bells? Hopefully, the latter, as you can now get married on the upper deck of a former British Airways Boeing 747, since turned into a flight simulator in Manchester – perfect if you want to tie the knot with the avgeek in your life!
At Simple Flying, we see more than our fair share of aviation-related weddings, from a Southwest Airlines pilot wedding at 33,000 feet to ANA bringing a new meaning to walking down the aisle on a Boeing 777. However, surely nothing tops spending your special day onboard a Boeing 747.
Guaranteed “aisle” access
Based out of Barton Aerodrome, The Deck 747 is a converted Boeing 747-400 upper deck turned flight simulator and now an events venue. Previously operating as G-BYGA for British Airways between 1998 and 2020, the licensed venue offers space for up to 120 guests. The aircraft offers the unique opportunity to marry directly in the cockpit, with your nearest and dearest watching on from business class. However, options to marry in business class and even in the hangar with the upper deck in the background are also available.
Bookings are already underway for 2024, though The Deck 747 is advising couples to get their save the dates in now to be among the first to experience the venue. The company is offering a complete wedding package featuring local vendors, caterers, video and photographers, floral arrangements, and wedding entertainment for a bespoke day of celebration. Check out how it could look in the video below:
Company Director Drew Hanna remarked,
“We’re absolutely delighted to be able to offer such a special service to flight fanatics with the chance to get wed in the historic surroundings of a Boeing 747, even while sitting behind the controls in the pilot’s seat. Our staff are supremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about our G-BYGA flight deck and about our guests. We just can’t wait to enjoy the honour of becoming a part of our patrons’ most special day.”
What else is on offer?
While now green-lit for events, The Deck 747 first opened its doors to the public in 2022, offering a unique 747 flight simulator experience, as well as courses for tackling a fear of flying. The facility also offers a general tour of what was once British Airways’ most exclusive business class offering. The cabin remains as it was in service – kitted out with British Airways’ classic Club World seats, arranged 2-2 across the cabin in an alternating yin-yang arrangement.
Source: simpleflying.com