LONDON: Private jets are not only a convenient way of traveling, but also a status symbol for the wealthy and powerful. Some of these jets are so luxurious and customized that they cost more than some countries’ GDP. Here are some of the most expensive jets in the world owned by people, and who they belong to.
Alisher Umanov’s Airbus A340-300-$400 million: The most expensive private jet in the world is owned by Alisher Umanov, a Russian billionaire and the owner of Metalloinvest, a mining company. He bought an Airbus A340-300, a long-range, wide-body airliner that can carry up to 375 passengers, and turned it into his personal flying mansion. The jet is rumored to be the largest private jet in Russia and possibly in all of Europe. It has a spacious and lavish interior with various amenities and security systems.
Joseph Lau’s Boeing 747-8 VIP - $367 million: The second most expensive private jet in the world is owned by Joseph Lau, a Hong Kong billionaire and real estate tycoon. He owns a Boeing 747-8 VIP, a customized version of the Boeing 747-8, which is one of the largest and most advanced passenger airliners in the world. The jet can fly up to 8,000 nautical miles at a speed of Mach 0.855, which is close to the speed of sound. The jet has a luxurious and elegant interior with a master bedroom, a lounge, an office, a dining room, and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.
Sultan of Brunei’s Boeing 747-430 - $230 million: The third most expensive private jet in the world is owned by the Sultan of Brunei, who is known for his lavish lifestyle and wealth. He owns a Boeing 747-430, a variant of the Boeing 747 family, which was originally designed for Lufthansa. The jet has a gold-plated interior, with gold accents on the furniture, fixtures, and even the washbasins. The jet also has a living room, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a throne room for the sultan.
Roman Abramovich's Boeing 757 - $170 million: The fourth most expensive private jet in the world is owned by Roman Abramovich, a Russian billionaire and the owner of Chelsea Football Club. He owns a Boeing 757, a medium-sized, narrow-body airliner that was produced by Boeing until 2004. He spent $170 million to upgrade his jet, which he named The Bandit. The jet has a luxurious interior with a master bedroom, a dining room, a kitchen, an office, and a lounge. It also has an anti-missile system, a radar jamming device, and bulletproof windows for security.
Kim Kardashian’s Gulfstream G650ER - $150 million: The fifth most expensive private jet in the world is owned by Kim Kardashian, one of the most famous celebrities and influencers in the world. She owns a Gulfstream G650ER, the extended-range version of the Gulfstream G650, which is one of the fastest and most advanced business jets in the world. It can fly up to 7,500 nautical miles at a speed of Mach 0.925, which is close to the speed of sound. She spent $150 million to customize her jet, which she calls Kim Air. The jet has a sleek and modern interior with a bedroom, a bathroom, a lounge, a bar, and a cinema. It also has a high-speed internet connection, a satellite phone, and a video conferencing system.
At the highest levels of wealth, private jets aren’t just transportation—they’re statements of luxury. Take Alisher Umanov’s revamped Airbus or Kim Kardashian’s high-speed Gulfstream; these aircraft are like palaces in the sky. They might cost a fortune, but for the super-rich, they’re a way to showcase their style and comfort while flying. These jets aren’t just about travel; they’re about flaunting extreme wealth in the most glamorous way imaginable.
