3 Of The Most Expensive Private Jets

Private jets are a fascination for those that can’t afford them. Which is almost everyone. Some of the most expensive jets in the world represent converted airliners, refitted and designed for round-the-world transportation. The toys of billionaires, owning a private jet means that it is often possible to make a transcontinental flight without even having to stop to refuel. Among the most expensive private jets in the world are the Bombardier Global Express XRS, the Boeing Business Jet, and the most expensive, the Gulfstream G550. When price isn’t an option, these planes do more than satisfy the need for private flights.

3 – Bombardier Global Express XRS

$47,700,000

image source

This corporate jet was developed from Bombardier 7000 and 5000 models, and has been adapted for multiple uses. The XRS design represented a slight modification that expanded interior size and added power, and was launched in October 2003. The jet features two BMW RollsRoyce BR-710 turbo fans, and weighs in at an impressive $47,700,000 million. The flightdeck includes a Honeywell Primus 2000 XP EFIS, as well as heads up displays.

image source

The Bombardier Global Express XRS is further distinguished by its ability to jet between different continents without the need to refuel, and takes 15 minutes less time to refuel than previous models. The Bombardier jet’s range has made it the vehicle of choice for many German, UK and US military and state flights. Private owners include South African businessman Mark Shuttleworth, who also has the distinction of being one of the few civilians to have been into space. Anil Ambani, one of the richest men in India, also owns a Bombardier, which can typically seat 8 to 19 passengers for a flight.

2 – Boeing Business Jet

$55,500,000

Boeing designed its business jets as a conversion of its 737 airliners. The Business Jet can hold 25 to 50 passengers, and was developed in collaboration with GE in the United States. The jet became available in 1999, and is defined by its blended winglets and narrow body, which make it more fuel efficient. A crew of 4 people tend to work on the plane, which is 110 feet, 4 inches long, and 41 feet, 3 inches tall. It relies on power from twin CFM International CFM56-7 turbofans. Famous owners include Roman Abramovich, and Google executives Larry Page and Serge Brin. The plane is also used for state trips, and has its own stateroom onboard.

1 – Gulfstream G550

$59,900,000

The most expensive jet in the world is manufactured by General Dynamics in Georgia, and is a variant on a wide range of private jets. The Gulfstream G550 has a 12,000 km range, and is designed for drag reduction, while featuring enhanced vision systems and heads up displays. Early models were provided for the Israeli Government and today it is used as a personal transporter for the Kuwaiti Royal Family and the President of the United States.

The Gulfstream can hold up to about 19 passengers, and measures 96 feet 5 inches long, and 25 feet 10 inches tall. Some famous owners of the plane, which recently flew non-stop from Seoul to Orlando in 14.5 hours, include film director Peter Jackson, Tiger Woods, and billionaire Ronald Perelman. It is also one of the few jets to have its own onboard wi-fi system. The G550 won’t have the top billing for much longer though, as the $65 million G650 is scheduled for certification and service entry in the second-half of 2012.

Sebastian is working alongside Direct Asia in a brand exposure exercise. They provide Travel, Car and other insurance products to Singapore and Hong Kong.