The expensive jets are a luxury only the richest people in the world can afford. Let’s look at the five most expensive private jets in the world, who owns them, and why each is so special.
1. Air Force One: $660 Million
The Air Force One—a highly modified Boeing 747-200B—is the most expensive private jet in the world with a price tag of $660 million. Owned by the President of the United States, the insanely high cost of this private jet is mainly due to customized military features.
With 4,000 square feet, Air Force One is incredibly spacious with a seating capacity of up to 70 passengers and 26 crew members. It has a conference room, a medical quarter, two kitchens, and sleeping quarters. The aircraft is a stamped Supremacy of Boeing in Business Aviation.
Air Force One is capable of resisting electromagnetic pulse protection, has a hardened fuselage, and has mid-air refueling ability.
2. Airbus A380: $600 Million
Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal al-Saud ordered his “Airborne Palace,” the world's second-most expensive business jet. Interestingly, the prince sold the aircraft to an anonymous billionaire before he received it.
Airbus A 380—now worth around $600 million—was initially purchased for $400 million. The new owner invested an extra $200 million to remodel it.
A three-story interior with a crystal elevator Designed by famous interior designer Edèse Doret takes in a gold-plated bath, a concert hall, and a diamond-encrusted Rolls-Royce garage. The luxury business jet aircraft has a prayer room inevitably pointing to Mecca while in flight.
Other luxurious amenities include an imperial dining hall, a luxury steam room, and a theatre. A specific part of the interior has a see-through construction, providing an astonishing external panoramic view of the landscape below.
3. Airbus A340-300: $400 Million
Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov owns the world's third-most expensive private jet, the Airbus A340-300. It is estimated around $400 million. Usmanov initially paid $238 million for the aircraft, which underwent a projected $170 million in modifications.
The aircraft includes a suite with a stylish dining hall, exclusive leather seats, multiple resting lodgings, and a nightclub. It is acknowledged as the largest private business jet in Russia, capable of flying at 915 km/h and a range of 13699 kilometers.
4. Boeing 747-8VIP: $367 Million
Hong Kong real-estate tycoon, Joseph Lau, keeps the fourth-most expensive private business jet aircraft, a Boeing 747-8VIP. Known as the “Dreamliner,” this aircraft costs $367 million and features a 445-square-meter double-story "Estate" coupled with a spiral staircase.
With an additional $214 million spent on customization, Lau transformed it into an "Airborne Estate" worthy of a real estate business owner's mansion. The Boeing 747-8VIP Dreamliner embraces several guest halls, a bar, a gym, an office, and a state-of-the-art entertainment theatre.
The health resort aboard provides high-end services, illustrating Lau's exceptional "Airborne Estate" concept. The jet flies at 1195 km/h with a maximum range of 17020 kilometers, traveling inter-continental non-stop.
5. Boeing 747-430: $220 Million
The Sultan of Brunei owns the world’s fifth-most expensive business jet, a Boeing 747-430. The initial cost of this Floating Palace was $100 million before the Sultan spent more than $100 million on remodeling it. This personalized business jet is designed with a gold-plated interior to represent his royal lifestyle.
Occasionally, he flies his royal abode for local or international flights to honor his onboard guests. The aircraft flies at 1000 km/h with a maximum range of 14,000 kilometers.
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