It’s not exactly uncommon for A-listers to own private jets, but some celebs have forked out hundreds of millions to ensure their aircraft outshines the rest. It is the ultimate status symbol, after all.
Although it is difficult to ascertain exactly how much the famous spend annually on their respective planes, the folks at Simple Flying have worked out how much each individual’s aircraft is worth as of 2022 and 2023. The 15 high fliers with the most expensive private planes run the gamut from sultans to tech billionaires to Hollywood legends.
In first place is Russian oligarch Alisher Umanov. Estimated to be worth $19.5 billion, the entrepreneur owns a humungous Airbus A340-300. This long-range, wide-body airliner costs about $250 million from the factory, but Umanov’s custom craft is reportedly worth $400 million. It is rumored to be the largest private jet in Russia and possibly in all of Europe.
Next up is Chinese billionaire Joseph Lau. The former chairman of property developer Chinese Estates has a Boeing 747-8 VIP in his garage that is worth an estimated $367 million. Again, the wide-body airliner was tailored to his lavish tastes.
The Sultan of Brunei claimed third place with his $230 million Boeing 747-430, which has been aptly nicknamed the Flying Palace. Roman Abramovich landed fourth with a Boeing 757 worth $170 million, while Kim Kardashian placed fifth with her personalized $150 million Gulfstream G650ER, a.k.a. “Kim Air.”
Surprisingly, former U.S. President Donald Trump found his way onto the list with a Boeing 757 worth $100 million. British billionaire Richard Branson and American TV royalty Oprah Winfrey tied seventh with planes worth $75 million each. (Branson owns a spiffy Dassault Falcon 50EX, while Winfrey has a luxe Gulfstream GH50.) Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani’s $73 million Boeing Business Jet 2 landed him in eighth.
The ninth spot is shared by four American entrepreneurs—Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Sergey Brin, and Larry Page—who each own Gulfstream G650 ER jets worth $70 million. Hot on their heels is business magnate Bill Gates, who owns a Bombardier 8000 worth $66 million. Rounding out the top 15 is the one and only Jay-Z with his $40 million Bombardier Challenger 850.
Shall we look at celebs with the most expensive yachts next?
Here’s the full list of the 15 most expensive private jets owned by the rich and famous:
- Alisher Umanov: Airbus A340-300, $400 million
- Joseph Lau: Boeing 747-8 VIP, $367 million
- Sultan of Brunei: Boeing 747-430, $230 million
- Roman Abramovich: Boeing 757, $170 million
- Kim Kardashian: Gulfstream G650ER, $150 million
- Donald Trump: Boeing 757, $100 million
- Richard Branson: Dassault Falcon 50EX, $75 million; and Oprah Winfrey: Gulfstream GH50, $75 million
- Mukesh Ambani: Boeing Business Jet 2, $73 million
- Elon Musk; Jeff Bezos; Sergey Brin; Larry Page: Gulfstream G650 ER, $70 million each
- Bill Gates: Bombardier 8000, $66 million
- Jay-Z: Bombardier Challenger 850, $40 million
Authors
Rachel Cormack
Digital Editor
Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…
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FAQs
The Airbus A380 owned by Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal takes the crown as the most expensive private jet in existence. With an estimated value surpassing $500 million, this flying palace showcases unrivaled luxury and customization, solidifying its status as a true marvel among aircraft.
Which celebrity owns the most expensive private jet? ›
The Airbus A380 owned by Saudi Prince Al Waleed is the world's priciest private jet at $500 million. Originally a long-haul aircraft, it underwent a lavish transformation, shedding standard seats for opulence.
What jet does Oprah own? ›
Oprah Winfrey's Gulfstream G650 is valued at approximately $70 million. She reportedly also spent an additional $10 million on customisations. This significant investment reflects the jet's advanced technology, luxurious features, and extensive range.
How many jets does Bill Gates own? ›
Bombardier Challenger 350
Bill Gates owns four private jets as well as a Cessna 208 Seaplane and a Eurocopter EC 135 helicopter. His private jet collection is made up of two Gulfstream G650ER's and two Bombardier Challenger 350s.
What jet does Elon Musk have? ›
His jet, a Gulfstream G650ER, has been on 14 different flights since the, JetSpy data shows.
Does Warren Buffett own a private jet? ›
The billionaire investor and Berkshire Hathaway CEO initially balked at the idea of owning a private jet, but ultimately embraced the luxury and convenience. Warren Buffett nicknamed his private jet 'The Indefensible' – then renamed it 'The Indispensable' after realizing its value.
What jet does Beyonce own? ›
Yes, Beyoncé and Jay-Z do own a private jet. Their preferred mode of air travel is a Bombardier Challenger 850, a testament to their penchant for luxury, comfort, and efficiency.
What jet does Tom Cruise own? ›
Tom Cruise owns a fleet of 4 planes, with some ownership still under speculation. The most famous one is the P-51 Mustang that featured in Top Gun: Maverick. His remaining jets include Gulfstream IV G4, HondaJet HA-420, and Bombardier Challenger 300. All are luxurious and highly valued.
Does Lady Gaga have a 747? ›
Lady Gaga has equipped herself with 3 private jets, no less! Just like Kim Kardashian, she opted for Boeing 747 private jets.
Does Tom Hanks have his own private jet? ›
Star Tom Hanks regularly flies by private jet, via a fractional ownership. At the the beginning of the movie, Hanks' character Captain Phillips is seen arriving at a fictional airport called Burlington International Airport.
Comedian Steve Harvey is being sued over a private jet he had customized. The company claims he never fully paid for the customized jet. Harvey paid $400,000 to customize a Gulfstream jet add things such as custom seats. The comedian also agreed to lease the private plane for $97,000 a month.
What jet does LeBron own? ›
LeBron James is indeed the owner of a private jet. He owns a Gulfstream G280, a sophisticated and luxurious business jet that exemplifies top-tier aviation standards. This choice of aircraft reflects LeBron's discerning taste and his need for a reliable and efficient mode of transportation.
What celebrity has the nicest private jet? ›
Oprah Winfrey's private Bombardier jet is the ultimate in luxury. It features an all-leather interior, full bathroom and galley. The Bombardier Global Express XRS is also equipped with two Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan engines.
Which car does Bill Gates drive? ›
Bill Gates
The Microsoft cofounder seems to have a passion for Porsches. One of the best cars in his collection is his Porsche 959 sports car. And in 2020, he revealed in an interview with Marques Brownlee that he had bought an electric Porsche Taycan. "It is very, very cool," he said at the time.
What private jet does Jeff Bezos have? ›
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos recently purchased a new $80 million ride: a Gulfstream G700. This advanced private jet – boasting cutting-edge tech, a spacious cabin, and exceptional range – adds yet another item to the billionaire's list of millions-worth purchases.
Does Jay-Z own a private jet? ›
Yes, Beyoncé and Jay-Z do own a private jet. Their preferred mode of air travel is a Bombardier Challenger 850, a testament to their penchant for luxury, comfort, and efficiency.
What private jet do the Kardashians use? ›
Kim Kardashian's Gulfstream G650ER
Kim Kardashian, a global icon and entrepreneur, owns a Gulfstream G650ER, considered one of the most advanced and luxurious private jets.
