Acquiring a private jet can be a matter of great pride, and a reflection of your wealth and success. While business tycoons and celebrities may acquire their own personal aircraft, some private jets go above and beyond and simply stand out. The more expensive a private jet, the more is the certainty of its luxuriousness. Take a look at the world’s most expensive private jets and marvel at the sheer wealth and beauty of these gorgeous aircraft purchased by the richest people in the world and designed by the best of designers.
List of Most Expensive Private Jets
1. Air Force One – $660 million
Air Force One usually refers to any plane that is transporting the President and First Lady of the United States of America, but in this particular case, this $600 million dollar beauty could only mean the fully customized Boeing 747-200B aircraft that has been used since the 1990s. It’s sheer size and features rank it the most expensive private jet.
Though it is owned and operated by the American government, it qualifies as a private jet on the basis of its usage, which is exclusive to the President and his family. This plane is a triple-decker that accommodates 102 passengers at a time, and 26 crew members. The full size of this magnificence is around 4000 square feet.
Aside from being equipped with state-of-the-art security, the plane comes with a hospital with its own operating theatre, and is fully prepared to withstand earthquakes, war, and nuclear strikes. It can reach impressive speeds at 650 km/h.
Value: $660 million
Creator: Boeing
Owner: American Government
2. Boeing 747-8 VIP – $560 million
While the private jet was selling for $358 million dollars, the anonymous billionaire who bought it demanded customizations worth more than $200 which drove the price up to about $560 million. This makes this aircraft the most expensive private jet ever brought that belongs to a private entity. The Boeing 747-8 contains about 1400 metres of cabin space which provides ample room for all manner of luxury and personalization.
The jet comes with fully functional living rooms, dining rooms, and luxury suites. The owner went all out on this one: the bathroom fixtures are made out of gold and the interior is designed by one of the best firms internationally.
The engines on this plane allow for a maximum cruising speed of about 1000km/h which is nothing short of amazing. This private jet is also enabled with a flight range of 13,450 nm.
Value: $558 million
Creator: Boeing
Owner: Anonymous
3. Airbus 380 – $502 Million
To begin with, the Airbus 380 is the world’s biggest commercial aeroplane, a double-decker seating up to 800 people at a time excluding cabin crew. In 2007, Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal al-Saud paid a whopping $320 million for this wide-bodied aircraft.
The cost of overhauling and redoing the design to suit the demands of the prince escalated the plane’s value to more than $500 million. A spiral staircase leading up to the second deck, an elevator, four VIP luxury suites, a music hall, a full-size boardroom, a Turkish bath, and a full-size parking for the prince’s luxury automobiles are among the many extravagances of the plane.
Value: $502 million
Creator: Airbus SE
Owner: Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal al-Saud
4. Airbus A340-300 – $500 million
Alisher Ashmanov is one of the richest men in the world as well as Russia with a wealth of billions. The plane, Bourkhan, takes its name from Ashmanov’s late father and stands bigger than even Ilyushin Il-96, which is the private jet belonging to Russia’s political head, Putin. The plane’s interiors are decorated with ornate and modern pieces and subtle lighting. The plane is equipped with luxury suites and guest rooms, dining halls, a swimming pool, a gym, a helicopter pad, and 20 cabins for guests.
Though the plane was originally on the market for $238, the customizations made by the owner have driven up its value to a figure between $350 million and $500 million. This isn’t too much of a marvel if you consider that Usmanov is the 34th richest man on Earth.
The aircraft runs on 4 engines, which is a first for any of the jets mentioned on this list.
Value: $300 million-$500 million
Creator: Airbus SE
Owner: Alisher Usmanov
5. Boeing 747-430 – $323 million
It should come as no surprise that the private jet owned by Sultan of Brunei, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, is factors fifth on this list. The Boeing 747-300 that was customized specifically for him cost him $323 million, but his expenditure did not stop here and he spent over $100 million in luxury amenities fit for a king such as 24 carat gold basins. The Laquile crystal decor paired with gold furnishings impress upon the sheer wealth of the prince.
The cruising speed of the plane is about 1000 km/h and the jet has a flying range of 14,000 kilometres which make visiting any prominent place on the globe a piece of cake. The Sultan flies with a fleet of six aircrafts trailing the Boeing.
Value: $323 million
Creator: Boeing
Owner: Sultan of Brunei
6. Boeing 747-8 VIP – $367 million
This particular model is a luxury replica of the Boeing 747 created for and owned by Hong Kong real estate billionaire Joseph Lau. The mogul named the private jet ‘Dreamliner’ and it is easily one of the most expensive private jets ever bought. Its unique design and luxurious interior, befitted with the latest technology, make it a dream come true.
This 4,700 sq. feet plane has vaulted ceilings, spiral steps, and video projections on the walls. The distinct feature of this jet is the SkyLoft present above the deck which provides space to customize personal suites and executive offices.
Value: $367 million
Creator: Boeing
Owner: Joseph Lau
7. Boeing BBJ 777-8 – $410 million
This private jet has the longest range in the market, and possesses a twin-engine and a capacity of 75 including crew. The jet costs about $410m in accordance with how one customizes it. It has a range upwards of 11,000 nautical miles which make flying in it a luxury trip in and of itself. With this wide a range, a no-stop flight to a destination of your choosing becomes extremely easy and convenient.
The spacious interiors which measure about 3,200 sq. feet can accommodate a variety of internal spaces such as lounges, dining rooms, bedrooms, and conference rooms. Boeing hired the best design firms in the world to prepare catalogues for clients who wished to see how the jet could be transformed and personalized.
Value: $300 million-$500 million
Creator: Airbus SE
Owner: Alisher Usmanov
8. Airbus ACJ350 XWB – $317 million
This model is the newest Airbus Corporate Jet that is quite spacious and offers passengers room to wander the cabin on flights surpassing 22 hours. It is known for its 24-hour parties. This jet can be identified by its unusually broad body and sophisticated outer appearance. Its price combined with the luxurious interiors and its unique design make it the most expensive VIP contemporary widebody aircraft.
The body is crafted to be lighter and easier to maneuver. The latest-generation Rolls-Royce engines used in this jet are quieter and much more fuel efficient than older engines. It has a range of 12,500 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 525 miles per hour which make it slower than others but still falling in the category of long-range. Furthermore, the fact that it can accommodate only 25 passengers makes it unpopular amongst the ultra-rich, its more popular use being bachelor and bachelorette parties of the elite. This jet can be customized to your liking, though the cost of $317million is likely to go up with the same.
Value: $317 million
Creator: Airbus SE
Owner: NIL
9. Gulfstream III, $125 Million
Originally purchased for “only” $65 million by actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry, the Gulfstream III has subsequently been updated and rehauled to accommodate luxuries suited to a celebrity of his name. The aircraft’s entertainment section is especially unbelievable with integrations such as an extra-large high-definition LCD screen, music and lighting comparable to a movie theatre’s, windows with mood-changing lights. The interior is also equipped with a fully functional kitchen, living and dining room, and a VIP suite.
While the technical specs of the jet are not noteworthy, the jet itself is kept in prime condition and taken very good care of. It does the job while looking absolutely fabulous.
Value: $125 Million
Creator: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
Owner: Tyler Perry
10. Boeing 757 – $100 Million
Former US-President Donald Trump depends on his handy Boeing 757 which is painted with his company’s insignia for air travel. The luxury jet a conversion of a commercial flight plane, and can hold passengers up to 200 in number. The interiors are designed in walnut woods, leather, and ivory tones, and comes equipped with guest rooms, dining rooms, and luxurious bars.
Though the design of the Boeing 757 is quite traditional, its two Rolls-Royce RB211 turbofan engines enable it to reach speeds of 500kmph which surpass most other luxury aircrafts. It does not have a very high range, idling at about 4500 miles, but definitely figures in the list of most expensive private jets if also not the most luxurious.
Value: $100 Million
Creator: Boeing
Owner: Donald Trump
