Since the invention of the aeroplane, air travel has evolved significantly. Private jets are more than just a way for their owners to get from point A to point B; they are also an extension of their personalities. The most expensive private jets are created with love, care, and meticulous attention to detail.
Let’s take a look at some of the world’s most expensive private jets and what makes them so unique. Interestingly, this list was compiled using publicly available data; it is possible that there are more extravagant and expensive planes whose owners wish to keep their identities hidden.
Table of Contents
Let’s dive into the list of most expensive private jets in the world-
1. Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal’s Airbus A380 – $500 Million
Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal owns the most expensive private jet and, without a doubt, the most exclusive plane on our list. An ordinary Airbus A380 is the most expensive commercial aircraft this year, selling for around $400 million. The prince’s lavish customization will push the price up to more than $500 million.
So, if you thought the Prince’s 747 (4th on our list) was impressive, wait until you hear about the so-called “Flying Palace” that the new Airbus A380 will house inside. The plane, which is expected to be delivered this year, is said to include a concert hall, a Turkish bath, a garage for a Rolls-Royce, and even a prayer room with electronic mats that rotate to face Mecca.
Also read – Top 10 Most Expensive Necklaces in the World
2. Alisher Usmanov’s Airbus A340-300 – $350-500 Million
This aircraft is owned by Russia’s richest man, billionaire Alisher Ashmanov. Aside from the spectacular and luxurious exterior paint job, the plane is named “Bourkhan,” after Alisher Ashmanov’s father. It is Russia’s largest private plane, even larger than President Vladimir Putin’s Ilyushin Il-96.
The plane was originally priced at $238 million, but according to Bloomberg.com, the final cost is expected to range between $350 and $500 million, depending on the interior decoration and technology used.
3. The Sultan of Brunei’s Boeing 747-430 – $233 Million.
The Sultan of Brunei, one of the world’s wealthiest monarchs, owns the remaining 747 aircraft on our list. The plane’s original price was around $100 million, and the Sultan has spent an additional $100 million updating its interior, which screams luxury with gold details all over the plane.
A living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom are all decorated in gold and crystal, with solid gold washbasins.
4. Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal’s Boeing 747-400 – $220 Million
This 747, which was originally designed to seat more than 400 people, belongs to Saudi Arabia’s Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal. The Saudi prince purchased this plane in 2003 and later had it custom to his specifications.
While travelling, two luxurious bedrooms, a dining table for 14 people, and a throne in the middle of the plane are likely to remind the prince of his home palace. There are 11 flight attendants on board to ensure the prince’s safety at all times.
5. Roman Abramovich’s Boeing 767-33A/ER – $120-170 Million.
This 767-33A/ER, also known as the “Bandit” due to its cockpit paint detail, belongs to Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire and owner of Chelsea football club. The plane, which was designed to carry up to 300 passengers, could easily transport an entire team from game to game.
The plane’s interior is said to be outfitted with chestnut and decorated with gold, and it has a nice paint job on the outside. It is also said to have a dining facility for 30 people as well as an anti-missile system for added security.
6. Joseph Lau’s Boeing 747-81 VIP – $153 Million.
The Hong Kong real estate tycoon Joseph Lau owns this VIP model of the Boeing 747. The Dreamliner, one of the top ten most expensive private jets, features an exclusive design in conjunction with all of the latest technology to ensure a VIP class travelling experience throughout the entire flight.
Some of the interior design solutions include vaulted ceilings, spiral staircases, and video displays on the walls.
7. Tyler Perry’s Gulfstream III – $125 Million.
Tyler Perry, an American producer, actor, and director, owns this stunning business jet. His Gulfstream III has been customised with a “Flying theatre” configuration, which includes a massive 42-inch HD LCD screen, multiple Blu-ray players, iPod docking stations, a satellite TV, and theatre lighting with electronically controlled window shades.
There’s also a formal dining room, a modern kitchen, and a private VIP bedroom on Perry’s plane. Everything you need to keep yourself entertained on a flight.
8. Donald Trump’s Boeing 757 – $100 Million.
Because of the boldly written name on the side of the plane, you will have no trouble determining who owns this Boeing 757. Donald Trump, the famous business magnate, purchased this previously used plane from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and has since made luxurious customizations to suit his own style, making it one of the most expensive private jets ever.
There is a master bedroom with a work desk and an integrated home theatre system, a television room with a 52in flatscreen TV and a control box that gives access to over a thousand of Trump’s favourite movies, and a bathroom with a circular shower. The luxurious interior includes gold fittings throughout the plane, including gold plated seat belt buckles in the main and guest cabins.
9. Boeing 737 – $80 Million
This customised 737, which was displayed at the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition last year, is owned by an unidentified American businessman. The plane was originally priced at $57 million, but interior modifications increased the final cost to around $80 million.
The plane can carry up to 19 passengers and has sleeping accommodations for eight people. Aside from a king-size bed in the bedroom, there is a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with shower, and a conference room with smartphone and computer connectivity, as well as a high-definition video system with surround-sound audio for entertainment.
10. Mukesh Ambani’ Boeing Business Jet 2 – $73 Million.
The stunning Boeing Business Jet 2 owned by India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, rounds out our list of the most expensive private jets.
This plane, which has 1000 square feet of space and can accommodate an executive lounge with boardroom seating and a private suite with a bedroom and a bathroom, truly has what it takes to be called a “Flying Hotel” and meet the billionaire’s both business and personal needs while flying.