The peak of luxury travel? Private jets, without a doubt. But some jets take opulence to stratospheric heights, costing more than most can imagine. Get ready to be dazzled as we count down the 10 most expensive private jets, where billionaires spare no expense for the ultimate airborne experience.
Air Force One
The president’s private jet, Air Force One, isn’t just any plane—it’s the flying equivalent of a high-tech fortress! The most recent model, the Boeing 747-8, is valued at a jaw-dropping $1.6 billion. These planes are fortified to withstand electromagnetic pulses, with fighter jets always on standby. Some of the features include a suite for the President, a medical facility, and a conference room.
Airbus A380
Back in 2007, Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal al-Saud commissioned the aircraft for $500 million. But then he sold it to some mystery billionaire who invested an additional $200 million for renovations. This jet has three levels connected by a glass elevator and a swanky Turkish bath with gold-plated everything.
Airbus A340-300
Imagine dropping a cool $238 million on an Airbus A340-300 just to spend another $362 million on the interior. That’s exactly what Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov did. Though he’s kept the details of this high-flying investment under wraps, it’s fun to speculate about the extravagant features inside one of the world’s most expensive private jets.
Boeing 747-8 VIP
The Boeing 747-8 VIP ranks among the largest and most luxurious planes around the world. While the commercial versions are impressive, this aircraft truly dazzles as a private jet. The priciest one, set at $367 million, is anonymously owned. It comes decked out with a stateroom, master bedroom, dining room, lounges, and an office.
Boeing 787-8 VIP
Joseph Lau, a Chinese real estate mogul, owns a lavish Boeing 787-8 VIP, which he initially bought for $150 million. After some serious pimping, it’s now worth $367 million. There were whispers that he might’ve gone for the Boeing 747-8 VIP, but Boeing cleared that up in 2007, saying that it’s the 787-8 VIP. The jet has a vaulted ceiling, a fully stocked wine cellar, and a state-of-the-art gym, among other things.
Airbus ACJ350 Custom
Lufthansa Technik transformed this Airbus ACJ350 from its original $326 million value into a luxurious masterpiece. The owner, whose spending is top secret, turned the front of the plane into a family hangout, complete with a lounge and an office with its own VIP bath and bedroom. Towards the middle is a dining area that seats eight and is undoubtedly perfect for those in-flight dinner parties at 30,000 feet.
Boeing 787-8 BBJ
Priced at $225 million before any customizations, this Boeing became the first model specifically built as a business jet. The Chinese HNA Group decided to splurge another $100 million to pimp this ride into a luxurious sky-high suite. Unlike earlier Dreamliners, converted from commercial planes for private use, this jet spans 2,400 square feet and can accommodate 40 passengers.
Boeing 748-430
The Sultan of Brunei got his lavish Boeing 748-430 for $100 million and then thought, “Why not double down?”—so he splashed out another $120 million on custom renovations. Inside, you’ll find opulent gold accents, along with elegant wood and leather finishes. But the standout feature? A toilet handle crafted entirely from gold in the main bathroom.
Boeing 767-33A/ER
This jet, cheekily nicknamed the Bandit for its cool black stripes near the cockpit, set Roman Abramovich, Russian billionaire and ex-Chelsea Football Club boss back a casual $170 million in 2004. Originally meant for 300 passengers, it got a serious makeover from Winch Design, turning it into a sky-high palace complete with chestnut interiors and even a banquet hall.
Gulfstream III
Normally, you’d be looking at a cool $75 million price tag for the Gulfstream III. However, this one cost $125 million because its owner, the multi-talented Tyler Perry, poured an extra $50 million into custom blings. Inside, you’ll find a lavish movie room complete with a big screen, theater lighting, and remote-controlled window shades, among other pristine features.
