Luxury mansions in the sky: Revealing world's costliest private jets
Owning a private aircraft is a status symbol for the world's affluent and powerful. Bizarre as it may sound, some of these planes surpass the GDP of several nations! These swanky jets even have full-size beds, spas, concert halls, children's play areas, and private offices! Ready to discover the most expensive of the lot? Well, "jet," set, go!
Alisher Umanov's Airbus A340-300 - $400 million
Russian billionaire Alisher Umanov, who also owns the mining company Metalloinvest, is the owner of the most expensive private jet in the world. He converted an Airbus A340-300, which is a wide-body, long-range aircraft with a maximum capacity of 375 passengers, into his personal flying abode. Said to be the biggest private aircraft in Russia, its interiors are what dreams are made of.
Joseph Lau's Boeing 747-8 VIP - $367 million
The real estate tycoon and billionaire from Hong Kong, Joseph Lau, is the owner of the second most expensive private jet in the world. At Mach 0.855, or nearly the speed of sound, the jet can travel up to 8,000 nautical miles. The interior of the jet is opulent and sophisticated, featuring a dining room, office, lounge, master bedroom, and cutting-edge entertainment system.
Sultan of Brunei's Boeing 747-430 - $230 million
The Sultan of Brunei's private jet is the epitome of luxury, with features like solid gold washbasins and Lalique crystal chandeliers, for starters. Compared to other private planes, this one has a few more colorful features like enormous teal armchairs and unusually patterned floors. While the Sultan has at least a few more private planes besides this one, this is the biggest.
Prince Al-Waleed's Boeing 747 - $220 million
Prince Al-Waleed, the Saudi Arabian royalty, uses a private aircraft that was formerly an Air China commercial. Although the roomy aircraft could carry up to 400 people at a time in its former existence, it now has multiple lounges, dining rooms, bedrooms, conference rooms, prayer rooms, and even a grand piano! A Boeing 747, the private jet is valued at a whopping $220 million.
Drake's Boeing 767 - $185 million
Yes! Drake, the famous rapper, owns Air Drake (a Boeing 767) which is valued at $185 million. The music sensation has given a touch of his own to his private jet, with gold finishes, luxurious seating, and numerous mirrors as a part of its interiors. Canadian cargo airline CargoJet reportedly gifted Drake the aircraft, believing it would generate enough publicity to offset its costs.
