Inside the luxury private jets of the rich and famous

Palaces in the sky

Roland Nussbaumer CC via Wikipedia

The world's most decadent private jets double up as winged hotels for an elite group of pampered billionaires, ensuring they fly in the height of luxury.

Whether heading to an overseas meeting or preparing for a five-star getaway, these seasoned travellers wouldn't dream of stepping foot in a first-class cabin on a commercial aircraft. Instead, they have their very own nine-figure jets at their fingertips.

Read on for a peek inside the most expensive private planes ever purchased, boasting everything from 24-carat gold décor to designer interiors. All dollar amounts in US dollars.

Boeing 757 private jet: $100 million (£79m)

Ivan Cholakov/Shutterstock

No prizes for guessing who owns this flashy Boeing 757 private jet.

Years before he became the president of the United States, Donald Trump purchased the second-hand aircraft that would later be dubbed "Trump Force One".

Naturally, he's spared no expense revamping the plane he bought from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2010 for $100 million (£79m).

Boeing 757 private jet: $100 million (£79m)

Andrew Milligan/PA

The interior design of Trump's plane doesn't disappoint. The lounge area features cream leather seating paired with tasteful walnut tables and cabinets.

The bathroom is dripping in 24-carat gold finishes and premium marble. The headrests of the plane's 43 seats are embroidered with the Trump family crest, and there's even an extra-special VIP area. Other facilities include a guest suite, a dining room, and a lounge that boasts a complete cinema entertainment system.

Trump's plane stayed grounded during his presidency as it lacked many of the security features of the presidential jet Air Force One (which we'll see later). However, the 757 has been repainted and refurbished since he left office, and Trump is using his plane once more.

Gulfstream III private jet: $130 million (£102m)

Gulfstream

While media mogul Tyler Perry's private jet is smaller than some of the others on this list, its custom interiors make for an outsized price tag.

His Gulfstream III cost him $65 million (£51m), and he's thought to have spent the same amount again kitting it out as his very own flying entertainment hub.

Gulfstream III private jet: $130 million (£102m)

Gulfstream

The aircraft features an extra-large, high-definition LCD TV offering cinema-quality audio and visuals. The plane even has controllable mood windows that change colour and opacity to enhance the viewing experience.

In addition to the futuristic entertainment area, the private jet has a formal dining and lounge area, an ultra-modern kitchen, smart bathrooms, and a private bedroom.

And that's not the only aircraft that Perry owns. His collection includes a seaplane, which he used to deliver food to the Bahamas in September 2019 after the nation was devastated by Hurricane Dorian.

Boeing 767-33A ER private jet: $170 million (£133m)

Golf Bravo CC via Wikipedia

This sleek Boeing belongs to Russian oligarch and former owner of England's Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich, who purchased it in 2004.

With capacity for around 30 people, it reportedly boasts its very own banquet hall for elegant mile-high dining.

Essentially a flying fortress, the aircraft is equipped with its own advanced missile warning system and radar-jamming technology.

Boeing 767-33A ER private jet: $170 million (£133m)

Boeing

It's got the requisite interior finishes that billionaire private jet owners seem to love: think highly polished wood, creamy upholstery, and gold accents, not to mention the plane's fine chestnut tables and designer furnishings...

However, this wasn't quite enough for Abramovich. He upgraded to a new plane in December 2021, trading in the 767 for a 787.

Boeing 767-400ER private jet: $250 million (£196m)

Jordan Pix/Getty Images

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa has several private planes at his disposal.

In 2009, the royal purchased a Boeing 767-400ER for a rumoured $250 million (£196m). While one of these jets would typically accommodate around 245 passengers, the king flies with significantly fewer people, guaranteeing plenty of legroom for himself and his entourage.

The plane has been divided into two distinct zones. One area is for business and includes a meeting space, while the second is a more private space featuring a living room and bedrooms. There's also an operating room in case of a medical emergency.

Boeing 767-400ER private jet: $250 million (£196m)

Jonathan Ernst/AFP via Getty Images

The king's fleet of planes, and the 767 in particular, have recently come under scrutiny as Bahrain's economy faces long-term challenges.

Many have raised concerns about how the ruling family uses public money for personal projects.

Boeing 747-8 private jet: $284 million (£223m)

Franck Robichon/AFP via Getty Images

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud purchased a Boeing 747-8 to use as his private jet, spending an estimated $284 million (£223m) on the plane and its custom-designed luxury interiors.

Unfortunately, the heir apparent to the Saudi Crown passed away in 2011, just one year before the jet's scheduled 2012 delivery.

Boeing 747-8 private jet: $284 million (£223m)

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The prince's family own a number of private jets and had no interest in adding the custom 747 to their already extensive fleet.

The plane remained in storage at the Swiss airfield where its custom design work had been taking place and was left grounded for a decade, with a mere 40 hours of flying time on its record.

In April 2022, the jet finally took to the skies, destined for Marana, Arizona – and an airfield for decommissioned aircraft (pictured). Most Boeing 747 commercial planes fly for at least 100,000 hours before decommissioning.

Boeing 787-8 BBJ private jet: $300 million+ (£235m+)

Deer Jet/Facebook

HNA Group, a Chinese conglomerate, bought a Boeing 787 to use as a private jet for an undisclosed amount.

The "mansion in the air" debuted at a 2016 business jet airshow and is estimated to cost $300-$400 million (£235m-£313m) when all the lavish upgrades are factored in.

With its finances under intense scrutiny from Chinese officials, HNA put the jet up for sale in 2018 for $300 million, which industry experts estimated was likely two-thirds of its original price, at best.

HNA went bankrupt in 2021, and it's unclear whether a buyer for the so-called "Dream Jet" was ever found.

Boeing 787-8 BBJ private jet: $300 million+ (£245m+)

Deer Jet/Facebook

In the two years before everything went sour, HNA promoted the 40-seat plane as having "luxuriously organic" interiors expertly overseen by the Pierre Jean Design Studio of Paris.

Details of note included hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, and hand-tufted carpets.

While the higher-ups at HNA Group were the most frequent users of the plane, a subsidiary company called Deer Jet also chartered it for an estimated $70,000 (£55k) an hour.

Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner private jet: $350 million (£275m)

Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

Roman Abramovich's new 787-8 Dreamliner cost him more than double what he paid for his previously mentioned 767.

Built in 2015, it had been earmarked for an airline that went bankrupt before the jet could be delivered.

After sitting in storage for several years, Abramovich's new jet received a $100 million (£79m) cabin makeover before touching down in Moscow in December 2021.

Details on the plane's interiors have been kept quiet, but it can accommodate up to 50 people, including 20 staff.

Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner private jet: $350 million (£275m)

Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images

Unfortunately for him, Abramovich's Dreamliner has had very little use so far. When Russia invaded Ukraine mere months after his jet upgrade, the American government declared it would seize Abramovich's Boeing 787 (as well as his Gulfstream G650 ER), saying he flew the planes into Russia in March 2022 and violated economic sanctions.

The Boeing 787 was grounded in Dubai, and any firm that provided refuelling or other aircraft services for it would have been in instant violation of the sanctions imposed by the US and Europe. In addition, Boeing announced via a statement to CNN that it was "suspending parts, maintenance, and technical support services for Russian airlines".

Boeing 747-8i private jet: $360 million+ (£284m+)

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Boeing's 747-8i is widely regarded as the world's largest private jet. The Qatar Amiri Flight airline, used by Qatar's royal family and most important government officials, currently has three of these models in its fleet.

These impressive planes typically cost around $360 million (£284m) – and that's before any luxury amenities and high-end design features are added to the bill.

Boeing 747-8i private jet: $360 million+ (£284m+)

Arif Hudaverdi Yaman/AFP via Getty Images

In 2018, Qatar put one of its 747-8i jets on the market, with hopes reportedly high for a $400-$500 million (£316m-£395m) sale price.

Purchased in 2012, the plane had undergone two years of lavish interior design work and featured a decadent bedroom, staterooms, and even a special hospital facility.

When no buyers could be found, Qatar gifted it to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan instead.

Boeing 747-8i VIP private jet: $367 million (£290m)

Boeing

Hong Kong real estate billionaire Joseph Lau owns a Boeing 747-8i VIP, which he ordered from Boeing in 2007 for $150 million (£119m).

He reportedly spent another $200 million (£158m) to upgrade its interiors, with the jet's total value estimated to be flying high at around $367 million (£290m).

Boeing 747-8i VIP private jet: $367 million (£290m)

Greenpoint Technologies

Lau's private jet has a master bedroom suite and a guest cabin, several living room spaces, office facilities, and a dining room.

While there aren't photos of Lau's undoubtedly luxurious interiors, Boeing delivered the same plane to a private client in 2016 (pictured). This version was designed and fitted by Greenpoint Technologies.

Boeing 747-430 private jet: $400 million+ (£316m+)

Björn Strey CC via Wikipedia

As one of the richest royals in the world, it's little surprise that Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, owns an entire fleet of private jets – and he even counts a couple of helicopters within his collection too.

Among his private planes is his Boeing 747-430, which he reportedly bought for around $400 million (£316m). He's said to have splashed out a further $120 million (£95m) to give it a complete makeover.

Boeing 747-430 private jet: $400 million+ (£316m+)

Courtesy E-Systems

The sultan's flagship aircraft is the definition of extravagance, with dazzling finishes at every turn throughout the cabin.

The royal bathroom in particular takes luxury to a whole new level, thanks to its solid 24-carat gold washbasin and sparkling Lalique crystal accents.

Airbus A340-300 private jet: $450 million+ (£355m+)

Roland Nussbaumer CC via Wikipedia

Alisher Usmanov, a Russian oligarch and one of the richest people in the world, is the owner of one of the most expensive private jets in history.

He paid $238 million (£187m) in 2011 for the plane and reportedly spent a further $170 million (£134m) on the interiors.

In March 2022, the US Treasury estimated that the plane was worth somewhere between $450 million and $500 million (£355m-£392m).

Airbus A340-300 private jet: $450 million+ (£355m+)

Courtesy Viled

This Airbus model can carry hundreds of passengers when used for commercial services.

Aboard Usmanov's private version of the A340-300, however, there's significantly less space for passengers due to the cabin design.

While the exact interiors have not been revealed online, the billionaire's plane features king-size beds in the suites, a dining area, and supposedly even a nightclub-style lounge, possibly similar to the one pictured.

Boeing 747-8 private jet: $500 million (£395m)

Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP via Getty Images

Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud travels in the utmost luxury.

He owns a Boeing 747-8 that's likely worth more than $500 million (£395m) once its various amenities and upgrades have been factored in.

Along with a formal dining area that seats 14 and numerous lounge areas, this made-for-royalty jet even features a throne.

Boeing 747-8 private jet: $500 million (£395m)

Greenpoint Technologies

The jet's interior aesthetic reportedly centres around an elegant palette of cream and gold.

The calming combination seems to be the colour pairing of choice for the private jets of ultra-high net-worth individuals, as demonstrated by the 747-8 master bedroom shown here. This luxurious space was designed and fitted by Greenpoint Technologies in 2016 for an anonymous buyer of a Boeing 747-8.

Boeing 747-200B private jet: $660 million (£521m)

Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images

Air Force One is the name given to the two fully kitted-out and highly customised Boeing private jets used by the US president.

When flying with Air Force One, President Biden has three levels of facilities at his fingertips, including a large office and a conference room. There's also a medical space, complete with operating room, and a doctor is always on board should any type of emergency occur.

Separate areas can accommodate advisers or members of the press who are travelling with the president, and the plane’s double food preparation galleys can comfortably feed 100 people at a time.

Boeing 747-200B private jet: $660 million (£521m)

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While there's no doubt that flying on Air Force One is preferential to economy seats on commercial services, passengers shouldn't be expecting the lavish amenities of some of the other private jets listed here. The steep price of Air Force One planes is actually due to the expense of their high-tech features, which include the ability to refuel mid-air and protection against electromagnetic pulses.

The current Air Force One planes date back to 1990 and are slated for retirement following a 2018 deal brokered by then-President Donald Trump with Boeing to purchase two new aircraft for $3.9 billion (£3.1bn). While Trump had hoped they'd be ready as early as 2021, the delivery date has been pushed back to at least 2027.

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