If you’re traveling aboard one of the world’s most expensive private jets, the journey is arguably more fun than the destination.
Picture marble floors, cashmere-clad seats, gold-plated finishings, banquet halls, huge bedrooms and bathrooms, large kitchens—and a team of staff ready to serve up all of your favorite meals.
What you need to know
- Commercial airliners convert into supersized luxury private jets.
The world’s most expensive private jets are typically upgraded versions of iconic commercial aircrafts such as the Airbus A340 or the Boeing 747. - The sky really is the limit.
The world’s most expensive private jets are luxury mansions in the sky, customized to perfection with lavish features and multi-million price tags. - Flying fortunes.
Russian oligarchs, Middle Eastern royalty, American A-list celebrities and business tycoons are among the most prominent luxury private jet owners. - The planet’s richest private plane.
The most expensive jet in the world is the Air Force One, the official aircraft of the President of the United States, valued at $660 million. However, strictly speaking, the government aircraft isn’t privately owned. So, technically, the most expensive private jet model is the Airbus A340-300, owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, valued at $400 million. - The bigger, the better.
Real estate tycoon Joseph Lau owns the biggest private jet in the world, the Boeing 747-8 VIP. It was once a commercial aircraft with a capacity to seat up to 450 people.
The most expensive private jets of the rich and famous
Dying to find out what the elite pay to fly high? Continue reading for our researched list of the world’s most expensive private jets and their wealthy owners.
18. Bombardier Challenger 850 – $40 million – Beyoncé and Jay-Z
If Jay-Z was considering having more children, this Father’s Day gift may just push him over the edge. Valued at $40 million, Beyonce showed her appreciation for the father of her children with the Bombardier Challenger 850.
Accommodating up to 19 guests, the private jet is the pinnacle of aviation luxury, featuring sumptuous cream leather seating that can be reconfigured according to the number of passengers on board.
The Bombardier Challenger also includes a spacious bedroom with a king-size bed, a living room with a sizable flat screen, two bathrooms with decadent bathtubs, and a fully equipped kitchen. It’s no wonder Jay and Bay don’t burn out on world tours.
| Price | $40 million |
| Owner | Beyoncé and Jay-Z |
17. Dassault Falcon 900 – $40 million – Taylor Swift Number 13
She may be feeling 22, but we’re feeling Number 13—Taylor Swift’s affectionate name for her Dassault Falcon 900. Celebrating the artist’s success, thirteen alludes to her debut album going Gold in just 13 weeks. And Taylor’s private jet is just as swift (sorry we had to.)
Valued at approximately $40 million, the aircraft has an impressive range of over 4,000 nautical miles allowing the global singer to embark on world tours from what feels like home. Finished off with handcrafted wood accents and bespoke leather seating, the jet’s interior is equally noteworthy, featuring a private bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.
Rumor has it that Swift rents out the private jet when not in use, although we’re not sure what club you have to be a part of to receive such an invitation.
| Price | $40 million |
| Owner | Taylor Swift |
16. Gulfstream G550 Private Jet – $61 million – Michael Jordan
Playing in the big leagues—both on and off the court—Michael Jordan’s private jet is valued at $61 million. A reflection of the basketball player’s extraordinary success, the Gulfstream G550 has jumped through hoops to make it one of the most remarkable aircrafts worldwide.
It features the player’s signature gray, white and black elephant print, as seen on Air Jordan sneakers, as well as his boat. And on the inside, the jet is equally luxurious. The impossibly soft leather seats recline for optimal comfort. The bedroom and bathroom are furnished by the most affluent labels. While the bar and cigar station nominate the private jet as the ultimate gentleman’s club.
| Price | $61 million |
| Owner | Michael Jordan |
15. Bombardier 8000 – $66 million – Bill Gates
A gateway to the most exclusive events and affairs, Bill Gates’ Bombardier comes with an estimated price tag of $66 million. While you have expected Microsoft mastermind to rank towards the top of the list, this makes more sense considering that the billionaire owns more than one private jet, with the Bombardier being the most expensive, luxurious and sustainable.
More impressive than Bill’s private jet collection is the Bombardier’s eco-conscious efforts and cutting-edge technologies. It features advanced noise reduction technology, minimizing its impact on surrounding communities during takeoff and landing. Additionally, the Global Express is equipped with systems that enhance fuel efficiency, reducing carbon emissions.
Capable of covering over 7,900 nautical miles in a single flight, the private jet allows the business mogul to travel virtually anywhere without refueling—be it to a climate change conference in Peru or his beach house in North Carolina.
| Price | $66 million |
| Owner | Bill Gates |
14. Gulfstream G650 – $70 million – Cristiano Ronaldo
As one of the most popular private jets amongst A-list celebs, the Gulfstream G650 isn’t unique to Christiano Ronaldo. Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Sergey Brin, and Larry Page all own similar models.
So what makes the Gulfstream G650 so sought-after?
It’s a combination of performance and opulence. With a cruising speed of approximately 561 knots (1,039 kilometers per hour), it ranks among the fastest private jets in the world. While its elegant cream leather seating, sophisticated wood finishes and advanced entertainment systems make it one of the most luxurious.
Designed to accommodate business meetings and leisure travel, Ronaldo’s private jet is professional and polished, but also includes ample room for relaxation.
| Price | $70 million |
| Owner | Christiano Ronaldo |
13. Bombardier Global Express – $73 million – Kylie Jenner
Achieving the title of the youngest self-made billionaire at just twenty-one, Kylie Jenner cemented her status amongst the most affluent industrialists by gifting herself one of the world’s most expensive private jets—the Bombardier Global Express.
Valued at $73 million, the extravagant aircraft is a testament to the success of the social media influencer’s cosmetics empire. Somewhat unsurprisingly, the private jet echoes Kylie’s style preferences, accented with pink and white adornments throughout, including the exterior.
Boarding the luxurious jet plane, you can expect to be greeted by air hostesses dressed in pink uniforms. Inside, several bedrooms await, as well as two bathrooms, a veranda and plenty of storage. We’ve also heard that the private jet’s menu is one of the best.
| Price | $73 million |
| Owner | Kylie Jenner |
12. Boeing Business Jet 2 – $73 million – Mukesh Ambani
This may not be Mukesh Ambani’s first private jet—in fact he owns three in total—but it is his most expensive. As one of the most prominent figures in India (he owns one of the world’s most expensive houses), the billionaire businessman spared no expense purchasing this Boeing, valued at $73 million.
As well as being one of the most expensive private jets in the world, the behemoth aircraft is also one of the largest. The 1,004 square foot vessel makes room for an extravagant master bedroom, as well as a fully equipped executive office, allowing Ambani to sign significant deals on the move.
But it’s not just a flying boardroom, the private jet also features designated spaces for relaxation and entertainment.
| Price | $73 million |
| Owner | Mukesh Ambani |
11. Dassault Falcon 50EX – $75 million – Richard Branson
Despite owning a mega airline, Richard Branson also owns one of the world’s most expensive private jets, the Dassault Falcon 50EX, valued at $75 million.
So is the billionaire entrepreneur simply too good for his own airline?
According to Branson, he requires a smaller plane to access shorter runways. Like the one out of the British Virgin Islands (not a bad predicament to be in.) With a cruising speed of approximately 528 knots (978 kilometers per hour) and a range of over 3,000 nautical miles, the Dassault Falcon allows Branson the freedom to explore the globe at his own pace. And in the comfort of unparalleled luxury.
Furnished with plush leather seating, refined wood finishes and decadent details, we don’t expect to see Richard onboard Virgin Airlines any time soon.
| Price | $75 million |
| Owner | Richard Branson |
10. Gulfstream GH50 – $75 million – Oprah Winfrey
Tired of battling fans while boarding, Oprah Winfrey gifted herself a private jet. And she didn’t skimp on the price tag. The media mogul’s Gulfstream GH50 is valued at $75 million dollars and comes with every airline luxury imaginable.
The gorgeous interior can accommodate between twelve and eighteen passengers, with couch-style seats that recline right down to double beds for those who prefer to sleep through a private jet flight. On board, you can expect decadent finishes such as fine silverware and crystal glasses, both of which reflect Oprah’s sophisticated generosity.
The private jet has a range of around 8,000 nautical miles and a top speed of 541 mph, meaning that it can travel around the globe seamlessly and comfortably.
| Price | $75 million |
| Owner | Oprah Winfrey |
9. Boeing 757 – $100 million – Donald Trump
Known as “the Ferrari of commercial jets” among pilots, the Boeing 757 is usually a commercial plane operating trans-continental and trans-Atlantic routes. But it is also one of the most well known—and one of the most expensive—private jets, famously owned and used by Donald Trump during his presidency.
Regarded—colloquially—by some as the Trump Force One, the quiet cabin is seemingly more paired back than most private jets, but on a closer look, you’ll notice that every detail is as lavish as it gets, including 24K gold-plated seat belts.
Valued at $100 million, the generously sized private jet can accommodate 43 people comfortably and comes with all the essentials necessary for a relaxing journey.
| Price | $100 million |
| Owner | Donald Trump |
8. Gulfstream III – $125 million – Tyler Perry
Multiple celebrities own a Gulfstream III private jet, but Tyler Perry’s is the most well-known. The American actor and director’s private jet comes equipped with more technology than in most homes, including a 42-inch HD TV, multiple Blu-ray players, another satellite TV, theatre lighting to accompany those in-flight movies, and electronically controlled window shades for when you’re ready for a nap.
Portable HD screens are also available, as well as docking stations for playing music and ports for setting up video games. Tyler Perry also owns a private island, which may be where his private jet spends a lot of time.
| Price | $125 million |
| Owner | Tyler Perry |
7. Gulfstream G650ER (aka Kim Air) – $150 million – Kim Kardashian
While Kylie Jenner’s $73 million Bombardier is highly impressive, Kim Kardashian proves that she’s still the top dog sister with her extravagant purchase. Valued at $150 million, the American reality star’s Gulfstream G650ER is just that much bigger and that much better.
Kim Air is distinguished by its cashmere-clad seating. And the monochrome cream decor is basically an extension of her home. With all the high-end finishes, it’s no surprise that the oldest Kardashian sister doesn’t allow spray tans and shoes aboard. And supposedly, even spaghetti is said to be an on-flight faux pas.
Although that may only be when the luxurious private jet is landing in Milan.
| Price | $150 million |
| Owner | Kim Kardashian |
6. Boeing 757 – $170 million – Roman Abramovich
Called a flying mansion—and filled with enough rooms and facilities to more than justify such a name—Roman Abramovich’s private jet also goes by the name “The Bandit”, thanks to its slanting black stripes by the window of the cockpit. It’s larger than life, with not only rooms for sleeping and relaxing but also a banquet hall for 30 people.
It’s also one of the safest private jets, equipped with the same kind of anti-missile system found on Air Force One. Gold plating and gold trimmings can be spotted from the bedroom all the way through to the full kitchen.
| Price | $170 million |
| Owner | Roman Abramovich |
5. Boeing 767 (aka Air Drake) – $185 million – Drake
Drake’s Boeing 767 may be worth $185 million, but word has it that the private jet isn’t costing the music sensation a cent, as it’ll supposedly pay for itself in publicity.
But that doesn’t mean that the rapper isn’t fully invested in owning a private jet. Refurbished to his exact specifications, Air Drake is painted in Drake’s signature baby blue hue, featuring the OVO owl logo and clasped prayer hands on the tail.
Once aboard, the global icon is said to have taken to the microphone with classic Drake announcements. While gold finishings, plush seating and plenty of mirrors further reflect the rapper’s personal brand.
| Price | $185 million |
| Owner | Drake |
4. Boeing 747 – $220 million – Prince Al-Waleed
What was once a commercial aircraft belonging to Air China is now the private mode of transport of Saudi royalty, Prince Al-Waleed. And while, in its previous life, the spacious vessel was used to transport up to 400 passengers at a time, today, the space consists of several lounges, dining rooms, bedrooms, conference rooms, prayer rooms, and even a grand piano.
Valued at $220 million, the Boeing 747 is one of the world’s largest and most expensive private jets. However, it seems that Prince Al-Waleed prefers to share in the luxury of his purchase as he lent it to famous Brazilian football player, Neymar to fly from Paris to Riyadh.
| Price | $220 million |
| Owner | Prince Al-Waleed |
3. Boeing 747-430 – $230 million – Sultan of Brunei
Washbasins made out of solid gold and Lalique crystal are just the start when it comes to the no-expense-spared levels of luxury inside the Sultan of Brunei’s private jet. Thought to be the wealthiest monarch in the world, he spent around $100 million through Lufthansa and then spent another $120 million to furnish the aircraft to his tastes.
It’s one with a little more color than other private jets, like oversized teal armchairs and unique patterned floors. This isn’t the only private jet the Sultan owns—he has at least a couple more—but this is his largest.
| Price | $230 million |
| Owner | Sultan of Brunei |
2. Boeing 747-8 VIP – $367 million – Joseph Lau
Owned by Hong Kong billionaire and real estate tycoon Joseph Lau, the Boeing 747-8 VIP is the second-largest commercial aircraft and the largest private jet in the world. The enormous interior sprawls over 445 square meters and can seat up to 450 people when used on a commercial plane.
Refurbished by Lau, the Boeing has been converted into a private jet with a massive meeting room, bedrooms, many plush couches and exclusive sky lofts, as well as a grandiose dining room, bar and onboard gym. The two levels are connected by a spiral staircase. And the opulent interior is more neutral with elegant gold accents.
| Price | $367 million |
| Owner | Joseph Lau |
1. Airbus A340-300 – $400 million – Alisher Usmanov
The most expensive private jet in the world is Airbus A340-300, owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and valued at $400 million. It is also the largest private jet in Russia, even bigger and more extravagant than that of his close friend, Vladimir Putin.
The Airbus is easily recognized by its elaborately painted exterior, emblazoned with the name “Bourkhan,” a tribute to the tycoon’s father. While Usmanov purchased the jet for around $230 million, he spent around $170 million refurbishing the aircraft with sumptuous leather chairs, multiple lounges, an exquisite dining room, additional bathrooms and private bedrooms.
Other than that, the interior is kept highly secret, although we hear that the private jet has its own nightclub too.
| Price | $400 million |
| Owner | Alisher Umanov |
Bonus: United States of America Air Force One – $660 million
Recognized all over the world as a prominent symbol of the American presidency, Air Force One is also the most expensive private jet in the world.
Inside, the Air Force One is home to not only an extensive Presidential suite and office but also an onboard medical center, a conference room, and multiple quarters.
This 800,000-pound 747 has 4,000 square feet of floor space on three levels with a kitchen that’s capable of preparing up to 2,000 meals per flight and can feed 100 people at a time. Its advanced onboard technology system ensures all devices are protected against electromagnetic pulses, and it can even be refueled mid-air.
| Price | $600 million |
| Owner | United States Air Force |
Plutocratic private jets: Our ranking methodology
By definition, a private jet is an aircraft owned by specific people or organizations rather than commercial airlines. For this ranking, we focused specifically on luxury private jets that are privately owned—usually by celebrities, royals and business tycoons. In doing so, we excluded all commercial, corporate and government vessels (although we couldn’t help but include the Air Force One as a bonus.)
While doing our research, we noticed that many reports list Prince Al-Waleed’s Airbus A380 as the most expensive private jet. However, since the private jet was never actually delivered, we decided not to include it in our ranking (although the Prince’s Boeing still made the cut.)
| # | Name | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | Beyoncé and Jay-Z Bombardier Challenger 850 | $40 million |
| 17 | Taylor Swift Number 13 Dassault Falcon 900 | $40 million |
| 16 | Michael Jordan Gulfstream G550 Private Jet | $61m |
| 15 | Bill Gates Bombardier 8000 | $66 million |
| 14 | Cristiano Ronaldo Gulfstream G650 | $70 million |
| 13 | Kylie Jenner Bombardier Global Express | $73 million |
| 12 | Mukesh Ambani Boeing Business Jet 2 | $73 million |
| 11 | Richard Branson Dassault Falcon 50EX | $75 million |
| 10 | Oprah Winfrey Gulfstream GH50 | $75 million |
| 9 | Donald Trump Boeing 757 | $100 million |
| 8 | Tyler Perry Gulfstream III | $125 million |
| 7 | Kim Kardashian Gulfstream G650ER (aka Kim Air) | $150 million |
| 6 | Roman Abramovich Boeing 757 | $170 million |
| 5 | Drake Boeing 767 | $185 million |
| 4 | Prince Al-Waleed Boeing 747 | $220 million |
| 3 | Sultan of Brunei Boeing 747-430 | $230 million |
| 2 | Joseph Lau Boeing 747-8 VIP | $367 million |
| 1 | Alisher Umanov Airbus A340-300 | $400 million |
| Bonus | Air Force One | $660 million |
Looking for other ways to move in style? Check our round-up of the most expensive cars in the world and the largest yachts in the world.
