Private jets have long been a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, and the world’s largest and most expensive private jets take that to a whole new level. These massive aircraft are not only a status symbol but also a symbol of the immense wealth and power of their owners. From billionaires to heads of state, these jets are the ultimate way to travel in style and comfort.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the 15 biggest private jets in the world and explore the features that make them so special. From cutting-edge technology to opulent amenities, these jets are the epitome of luxury and exclusivity. Whether you’re a jet enthusiast or simply fascinated by the world of the ultra-rich, this article is sure to provide informative content about some of the most impressive aircraft in the world.
So let’s deep dive into the list of the 15 biggest private jets –
Bombardier Challenger 850: Beyoncé and Jay-Z
The Bombardier Challenger 850 is a twin-engine, super mid-size business jet designed and manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace for domestic and transcontinental air routes. This jet is owned by Beyoncé and Jay-Z at $40 million.
Before Beyoncé added all the personalized amenities, the $40 million price tag included cream-colored leather furniture, a kitchen, two bathrooms, and a sumptuous master bedroom for when the King and Queen of Modern Pop want a little alone time while traveling together.
The aircraft obtained its airworthiness certification from the General Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates in December 2010 and was displayed at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva in May 2011.
The Challenger 850 was designed based on the CRJ200 jetliner and features upgrades such as two engine-driven and one air-driven generator, upgraded avionics, a modern cabin design, increased cabin size, a spacious lavatory, steel wheel braking system, flight controls, landing gear, nose wheel, and an auxiliary power unit.
| Length: | 87 ft 10 in (26.77 m) |
| Wingspan: | 69 ft 7 in (21.21 m) |
| Height: | 20 ft 5 in (6.22 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 509 mph (819 kph) |
| Engine: | 2 × General Electric CF34-3B1 |
Bombardier Global Express XRS: Oprah Winfrey
There is no doubt that Oprah Winfrey is the all-time Queen of Daytime TV and one of the greatest success stories of all time, from Middle Eastern Royals to real TV and Media Royalty. Oprah is a self-made woman, in contrast to other billionaires, and she owns one of the most expensive private aircraft on our list.
This was bought at $42 million. One of the biggest and greatest celebrity private aircraft on our list is Oprah’s Bombardier Global Express XRS. The Bombardier Global Express XRS is a long-range, large-cabin business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace.
It was first introduced in 2003 as an upgrade to the original Global Express model, with a longer range and more advanced avionics. The XRS can fly non-stop for over 6,000 nmi (11,112 km) and can carry up to 19 passengers in a spacious, luxurious cabin.
It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW306C engines and features a state-of-the-art flight deck with a fully integrated avionics system. The Global Express XRS is known for its speed, comfort, and range, making it a popular choice for VIP travel and private air charter.
| Length: | 99 ft 4 in (30.26 m) |
| Wingspan: | 94 ft (28.65 m) |
| Height: | 25 ft 5 in (7.75 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 561 mph (905 kph) |
| Engine: | Rolls-Royce BR700 or Pratt & Whitney PW306C |
Gulfstream 650ER: Elon Musk
Elon Musk, the enigmatic eccentric best known for founding the companies Tesla and SpaceX, is also acknowledged as a knowledgeable crypto influencer. Media coverage of Musk and his status as the “Godfather of Dogecoin” in 2021 peaked with his appearance on Saturday Night Live on May 8, 2021.
Elon Musk has a Gulfstream G650ER private jet, and his past use of private planes caught the media’s attention when he reportedly traveled 129,589 nmi (240,000 kilometers) in 2018 on his US$70 million Gulfstream.
Gulfstream Aerospace, a division of General Dynamics, created the Gulfstream G650ER, a long-range business aircraft. One of the fastest business jets in the world, an extended-range model with a top operational speed of Mach 0.92 (705 mph).
| Length: | 99 ft 9 in (30.40 m) |
| Wingspan: | 99 ft 7 in (30.35 m) |
| Height: | 25 ft 8 in (7.82 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 594 mph (956 kph) |
| Engine: | Rolls-Royce Deutschland BR725A1-12 |
Airbus 319: Vijay Mallaya
The Airbus 319, owned by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallaya is unquestionably one of the largest private aircraft on our list. Mallya’s model was specifically created to have a fuselage that is even wider than the conventional Airbus 319.
The Airbus A319 is a member of Airbus’s family of short- to medium-range, narrow-body, twin-engine commercial passenger jet aircraft. The A319 has a maximum range of 3,700 nmi (6,852 km) and can accommodate 124 to 156 passengers.
The Airbus A319 was a shortened-fuselage version of the A320 that went into service with Swissair in April 1996, about two years after the stretched A321 and eight years after the first A320. The aircraft can be flown by current A320 family pilots without requiring them to undergo additional training because it shares a common type rating with all other Airbus A320 family variants.
| Length: | 111 ft (33.84 m) |
| Wingspan: | 117.5 ft (35.8 m) |
| Height: | 38.7 ft (11.76 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 515 mph (829 kph) |
| Engine: | CFM56-5B |
Boeing Business Jet 2: Mukesh Ambani
It should come as no surprise that Mukesh Ambani, another billionaire Indian, made this list, given his position as one of the wealthiest people in the country. With 1,000 square feet of space and an executive cabin in case Ambani has to conduct business while on board, Ambani’s own model is enormous.
Ambani does not solely own this aircraft. Wealthy people frequently fly on the Boeing Business Jet 2, including celebrities like Jeffrey Katzenberg and Stephen Spielberg.
Among the onboard luxuries paid for by its $73 million price tag are a full master suite, private bedroom and bathroom, and separate lavishly-decorated seating and dining areas for Ambani, friends, and colleagues. Due to the first BBJ’s unexpectedly high sales, the Boeing BBJ2 was introduced with a 25% larger cabin and an airframe based on the Boeing 737-800.
| Length: | 129 ft 6 in (39.5 m) |
| Wingspan: | 117 ft 5 in (35.8 m) |
| Height: | 41 ft 2 in (12.55 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 528 mph (850 kph) |
| Engine: | CFM International CFM56-7 |
Boeing 757-200: Donald Trump
After a three-year break, Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, has resumed flying in his personal Boeing 757 luxury airplane. The luxurious aircraft’s distinctive dark livery and “TRUMP” badging have made it one of the most recognizable in the entire world. With a bedroom and gold-plated seatbelts, the plane has come to represent Trump’s wealth.
The 757-200 is produced with two different exit configurations: a baseline version with three standard cabin doors per side and a fourth, smaller cabin door on each side aft of the wings, certified for a maximum capacity of 239, and an alternate version with three standard cabin doors per side and a pair of over-the-wing emergency exits on each side, certified for a maximum capacity of 224.
| Length: | 155 ft 3 in (47.32 m) |
| Wingspan: | 134 ft 9 in (41.1 m) |
| Height: | 44 ft 6 in (13.56 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 525 mph (844 kph) |
| Engine: | Pratt & Whitney PW2037 or Rolls-Royce RB211 |
Boeing 767-277: Mark Cuban
Let’s go on to another billionaire who has invested some of his incredible money in a Boeing 767 model. The model, which cost Mark Cuban $144.1 million, is used as the Dallas Mavericks’ team aircraft. Cuban’s private aircraft set other records. He bought this expensive jet online back in 1999, making it by far the largest online transaction at the time.
Extra legroom has been added to the aircraft thanks to Cuban’s modifications—a perk that NBA players will undoubtedly appreciate on a team jet. Commercial versions of the craft are capable of flying between Beijing and New York.
It is part of the 767 family of aircraft, which also includes the 767-200 and 767-300. The 767-277 is typically used for long-haul flights and can seat up to 239 passengers. It is known for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology, such as fly-by-wire controls and a two-man cockpit.
The 767-277 was primarily operated by airlines like Delta, United, and American airlines, but as of 2023, many of these planes have been retired from service.
| Length: | 159 ft 2 in (48.5 m) |
| Wingspan: | 151 ft 1 inch (46 m) |
| Height: | 17 ft 1 inch (5.2 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 530 mph (851 kph) |
| Engine: | Pratt & Whitney PW400 |
Boeing 767-33A/ER: Roman Abramovich
Russian oligarchs have emerged as a distinct class in their own right in Russia since the collapse of the USSR. Oligarchs like Roman Abramovich, who support Putin’s hold on power, act as the true check on his authority rather than the State Duma, which merely rubber stamps his orders.
It should come as no surprise that Abramovich possesses one of the largest private aircraft in the world, which he employs to transport his Premier League football team, Chelsea F.C., given his enormous riches and power.
There is plenty of space on the aircraft he calls “Bandit.”
The $170 million aircraft seats 300 passengers and is modeled on commercial jetliners, a theme across this list. What’s more, Abramovich’s jet has an integrated missile defense system, so it doesn’t matter how well Chelsea’s defenders perform on the field.
| Length: | 180 ft 3 in (54.94 m) |
| Wingspan: | 156 ft 1 in (47.57 m) |
| Height: | 7 ft 9 in (2.41 m) |
| Cruising speed: | (528-560) mph (850–900 kph) |
| Engine: | PW4000 / CF6 / RB211 |
Airbus A340-212: Sultan of Brunei
The Airbus A340-212 that belongs to the Sultan of Brunei is known as the “Flying Palace.” The prince spent $100 million building it and another $120 million on modernizing it. His personal air force’s non-stop flight range was increased to 9320 mi (15,000 km) thanks to the addition of a beautiful cabin decked with priceless metals, diamonds, and priceless wood, as well as the installation of larger fuel tanks.
An alternative to the Airbus A340 wide-body commercial airliner is the Airbus A340-212. It was the A340’s original design, and it went into service for the first time in 1993. The four-engine A340-212 was developed specifically for long-distance travel.
| Length: | 194 ft 1 in (59.7 m) |
| Wingspan: | 197 ft 1 in (60 m) |
| Height: | 54 ft 1 in (16.4 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 544 mph (875 kph) |
| Engine: | 4 x CFM CFM56 |
Airbus A340-300: Alisher Usmanov
With this $238 million extravagance, which has been modified to reach the staggering worth of $450 million as of the time of this article, Usmanov holds the record for the most expensive private jet in the entire world.
What is included in such a sticker price? The nightclub section has its own location on Usmanov’s aircraft. One of the luxurious king-sized mattresses onboard is available for you to use if you’ve had a few too many vodka martinis and need to sleep it off.
The aircraft also has plush leather seats and several seating places, which are ideal for staying comfy on those long journeys that may last up to 9,000 miles, which is more than the distance from Moscow to Melbourne. The aircraft’s wingspan is 208.8 ft (63.6 m), and it has a length of 209 ft (63.7 m).
Some of the key features of the A340-300 include its four engines, which provide enhanced reliability and fuel efficiency, and its advanced avionics, which provide a high level of safety and performance. It is also known for its unique quality of being the first commercial aircraft to feature four engines. This provides enhanced reliability and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for airlines looking to operate long-haul flights.
| Length: | 209 ft (63.7 m) |
| Wingspan: | 208.8 ft (63.6 m) |
| Height: | 57.2 ft (17.4 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 514 mph (828 kph) |
| Engine: | CFM International CFM56-5C or Rolls-Royce Trent 553 |
Boeing 747-300: Sultan of Brunei
The Sultan of Brunei is the head of state and the absolute monarch of Brunei. The current Sultan of Brunei is Hassanal Bolkiah, who has held the position since 1967. He bought 747-300, which is a variant of the popular 747 family of aircraft.
The 747-300 introduced a new straight stairway to the upper deck instead of a spiral staircase on earlier variants, which created room above and below for more seats. The 747-300 also featured a 23 ft 4 in (7.11 m) upper deck than the 747-200.
The stretched upper deck (SUD) has two emergency exit doors, the most visible difference between the 747-300 and previous models. It was made standard on the 747-300, and the SUD was offered as a retrofit and as an option to earlier variants still in production.
Minor aerodynamic changes allowed the 747-300’s cruise speed to reach Mach 0.85 compared with Mach 0.84 on the 747-200 and 747-100 models while retaining the same takeoff weight. The 747-300 could be equipped with the same Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce powerplants as on the 747-200, as well as updated General Electric CF6-80C2B1 engines.
| Length: | 231 ft (70.6 m) |
| Wingspan: | 195 ft (59.5 m) |
| Height: | 63.7 ft (19.4 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 580 mph (933 kph) |
| Engine: | Pratt & Whitney JT9D or Rolls-Royce RB211 or CF6 |
Boeing 747-400: Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal
From one Middle Eastern Royal Family, we now go on to another. The Prince paid a cool $200 million for this customized Boeing 747, which he bought in 2003. Some of those upgrades, including the Prince’s aboard throne and the opulent dining area, are genuinely fit for royalty.
You can take a snooze in one of the two lavish bedrooms if your royal duties get too overwhelming. This jet is no exception to the rule that a plane this huge needs a sizable workforce. The Prince’s aircraft is always staffed with at least 11 flight attendants, even if it’s only the Prince and a small group. Prince bought it for US $220 million.
It is a modernized version of the original Boeing 747; the Boeing 747-400 is a sizable, long-range, wide-body airliner made by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The 747 airframe, including the enlarged top deck from the 747-300, with 6 ft (1.8 m) winglets, is still present.
| Length: | 231 ft (70.6 m) |
| Wingspan: | 195 ft (59.4 m) |
| Height: | 63.8 ft (19.45 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 564 mph (908 kph) |
| Engine: | PW4000 / GE CF6 / RR RB211 |
Boeing 747-430: Sultan of Brunei
With its Sultan owning one of the world’s largest luxury jets, Brunei is one of the last remaining absolute monarchs. Boeing 747-430 costs $100 million before customizing, $100 million after customization, and is presently estimated to be worth $220 million. It is among the most expensive private jets.
What specific improvements were made to make it worth that much? Try a sink with a solid-gold bathroom and 24-carat gold finishes, plush seats, and a stunningly big interior. Of all, it’s simple to make a private plane roomy when it’s a modified and converted version of a commercial airplane with 345 passenger capacity, like the Sultan’s 747.
Some of the notable airlines that have operated the 747-430 include Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines. These airlines have used the aircraft on a variety of international routes, including flights to the United States, Europe, and Asia.
| Length: | 231 ft (70.6 m) |
| Wingspan: | 211 ft 5 in (64.44 m) |
| Height: | 63.8 ft (19.4 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 567 mph (910 kph) |
| Engine: | General Electric CF6-80C2B1F or Pratt & Whitney PW4056 |
Airbus A380-800: Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal
We’re not quite finished with the Prince because he also owns one of the biggest private jets in the entire globe. His Airbus A380 is a modified commercial aircraft, similar to his Boeing 747. The Airbus A380, which can carry up to 853 passengers, was already the largest commercially available aircraft when the Prince purchased one.
The Airbus A380-800 is the world’s largest commercial jetliner, with a wingspan of 261 ft (79.75 m) and a length of 239 ft (73 m). The A380-800 is equipped with the latest navigation and communication systems, as well as advanced safety features such as a fly-by-wire control system and a collision avoidance system.
One of the unique qualities of the A380-800 is its ability to fly long distances without the need for refueling, making it ideal for non-stop flights between major cities around the world. Additionally, the A380-800 is designed to minimize noise and emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option for air travel.
| Length: | 239 ft (73 m) |
| Wingspan: | 261 ft (79.75 m) |
| Height: | 80 ft (24.4 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 567 mph (910 kph) |
| Engine: | Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or Engine Alliance GP7200 |
Boeing 747-8: Joseph Lau
Joseph Lau, one of the richest men in Hong Kong, should be able to afford this model of the commercial Boeing 747, which is reported to be worth $367 million. And that is only the base cost. This “Dreamliner” has reportedly cost Lau $153 million in customization costs. The inside of the aircraft is 445 square meters, making it so big that a spiral staircase is needed to connect its two levels.
This opulent private plane comes equipped with a gym, a number of guest suites, and an office where Lau can hold meetings. The interior design also includes soaring ceilings. It is the longest passenger aircraft in the world, with a length of 250 ft 2 in (76.3 m).
Some of its key features include:
- Four engines: The 747-8 is powered by four GE GEnx-2B engines, which provide a high level of fuel efficiency and reduced noise.
- Upgraded cockpit: The 747-8 has an advanced glass cockpit with the latest navigation and communication systems.
- Increased seating capacity: The 747-8 has a seating capacity of up to 467 passengers in a typical two-class configuration.
- Larger cargo capacity: The 747-8 has a cargo volume of 23% more than the 747-400, which allows for increased revenue potential for cargo operators.
| Length: | 250 ft 2 in (76.3 m) |
| Wingspan: | 224 ft 5 in (68.4 m) |
| Height: | 63 ft 6 in (19.4 m) |
| Cruising speed: | 567 mph (915 kph) |
| Engine: | GEnx-2B |
