“Like small villas in the air.” This evocative description of the world’s most expensive private jets is a worthy one – often they are so luxurious, so well equipped, and so far removed from normal air travel, that all they lack is birds singing from trees and a beach to laze about on.
Owning a private jet is a potent and powerful gateway to unparalleled privacy, complete comfort, and incredible convenience. Subsequently, for a particular global elite, those factors can become essential: the travelling lives of big business owners, high-ranking state officials, entrepreneurs, and A-list celebrities are organised around flying by private jet. So it is both the ultimate luxury and also, quite often, a necessity. They are significantly faster and more efficient than commercial airliners – no waiting around, no time-consuming security checks to board the plane. For those with ultra-demanding schedules who need to zip around the globe all year round, time is money – and a private jet saves a spectacular amount of time. The best private jets mean that it’s also business as usual in the sky. Meeting rooms are commonplace. Private jet owners ensure that every need is catered for, and they want to feel fully at home, no matter how high in the sky.
Sumptuous interior design, opulent finishes, and ergonomic elements are a must, and the status symbol factor is important too. Here is a guide to some of the most expensive – and breath-taking – private jets in the world.
Boeing 747-430 – Sultan Of Brunei – US$350 Million+
The private jet belonging to the Sultan of Brunei, one of the world’s richest men, is almost beyond words. The scale of luxury and customisation is on an unmatched scale. There is no aircraft like it anywhere else on the planet – it’s a total one-off. The Boeing 747-430 cost around $100 million initially, but after extensive work, it could be worth anything up to $400 million. This is a jet with immense performance capabilities – powered by four engines, it has the thrust to undertake long intercontinental flights without refuelling. In a commercial setting, it is configured to carry up to 600 passengers – but the Sultan’s customised jet is completely tailored for his small travelling contingent. Passenger count is irrelevant, comfort is everything – there are master bedrooms, private lounges, and conference rooms, while the Royal Suite features a full-size bed, an en-suite bathroom with a gold sink, and a private dining area. Overall design is lavish, to say the least: its Lalique crystal and gold interior mean it is actually, less of a ‘small villa’ in the sky, and more of a flying palace. This jet is the true benchmark for extravagance and total comfort; reflecting the Sultan’s status with a decadent space for both official and leisure travel.
Boeing 747-8 Vip – The Dreamliner – US$367 Million
While many owners of the world’s most expensive private jets like their privacy, so to speak, they are also happy for people to know about their private jet. It certainly doesn’t hurt their status. But the owner of the Boeing 747-8 VIP is cut from a different cloth – they choose to remain anonymous and for them, it appears, total discretion means everything. Identity is off-limits. Thankfully, some details about this astonishing private jet – nicknamed The Dreamliner – are available for us to consider, and with nearly 5000 square feet of usable space, it’s an absolute gem: a massive, non-commercial treasure that has been reconfigured to include a state room, a master bedroom, a dining room, lounges, and even an office zone. Its price tag is huge but the design is pure minimalism, like a super-classy five-star hotel.
Boeing 747-8 Vip - Joseph Lau – US$375 Million
Chinese real estate tycoon Joseph Lau is no stranger to powerful PR, and his sumptuous Boeing 747-8 VIP is absolutely part of that strategy: his private jet tells us within an instant that he is a rich, powerful, clever, and influential businessman. Lau paid $150 million for his plane, but it is now worth more than double after an incredible catalogue of customisations. These include a spiral staircase to connect its two levels, vaulted ceilings, a fully stocked wine cellar, a huge office space, and a boardroom, along with a state-of-the-art fitness centre (to name but a few). What really stands out with Lau’s jet is its range: at 17,020 kilometres, that’s the equivalent of travelling from London to Sydney non-stop. Known for his extensive art collection and luxurious lifestyle, Lau’s private aircraft confidently reflects his taste for the aesthetic: high-end materials, such as fine leather, gold accents, and custom woodwork, are commonplace throughout, with expert detailing such as marble inlays and rich fabrics providing touches of flair and comfort. Lau’s Boeing also includes a private cinema room.
Boeing 747-200b – President Of United States Of America – US$660 Million
Perhaps the most famous private jet of them all, Air Force One is deeply symbolic. Projecting the power, security, and stability of the United States, it is used to fly its Presidents all over the world and encapsulates their ability to lead from anywhere – at any time. To say that this Boeing 747-200B is highly customised is something of an understatement. This is all spread out over three decks and 4000 square feet. It comes with a fully equipped medical quarter (with an operating room, and a doctor on permanent standby), a conference room, two kitchens (that can cater for more than 100 people), and multiple bedroom suites. The Presidential Suite itself has a private office, bedroom, and bathroom suite, while the plane includes office spaces for senior advisors, military aides, and Secret Service officers: in short, it's like a flying White House. Perhaps it goes without saying, but Air Force One is ultra secure: physically and electronically hardened to protect the jet from an electromagnetic pulse; Always followed by two fighter jets, it can also be refuelled in mid-air. Suffice to say, for the USA, this expense is priceless. But in real terms, the cost is nearly $700 million.
Airbus A380 – Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal – US$502 Million
When Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal al-Saud commissioned a bespoke Airbus A380, he didn’t cut corners. Designed by famous interior designer Edèse Doret, it's just spectacular: an uber-opulent 550 metre-squared aircraft with its own concert hall (and a grand piano), garage space, Turkish baths, and prayer room with mats that rotate automatically towards Mecca. There is even a stable for horses and camels, and overall detailing is supreme: the Turkish bath has gold-plated finishes, and the built-in garage is big enough (and luxurious enough) for the Prince to park his diamond-encrusted Rolls Royce. The A380’s range is ideal: at 15,700 kilometres, it is more than enough to fly from Riyadh to New York non-stop.
The world of private jets is an elite club: owning one puts you on another planet. If not quite the moon, it’s unquestionably another level of travel experience: pure convenience, luxury, comfort, and efficiency. Self-expression too – customisation is a creative canvas to revel in.
