Money Flies: Millionaires And Their Impressive Private Planes
Those with fame and fortune often love to show off their money in the most extravagant ways. Some people buy really nice houses, others purchase expensive cars, but the biggest way to brag is on a private plane.
After considering the number of fans and paparazzi that swarm these celebrities, it's understandable that they'd want their own private jet or plane. These private planes have all of the luxuries that you won't find in business class on your regular commercial flight. Check out these millionaires and their fabulous private jets.
One Of Elvis' Planes Sat On The Tarmac For 35 Years
One of Elvis Presley's private jets sat on a New Mexico runway for 35 years before being auctioned off to an undisclosed buyer for $430,000.
The luxurious plane was personally designed by Presley and has some jaw-dropping features such as red velvet seats, red shag carpeting, and gold-tone woodwork -- all a perfect setting for the King to travel in style. At the time of its sale, the plane did not have an engine and also needed renovations in the cockpit.
John Travolta's Bombardier Challenger 601, Boeing 707, Boeing 727
John Travolta has a lot of toys. Who would have imagined Danny Zuko being a success? How does an individual go from taking remedial classes at Buchannan High School to owning several private jets? This ladies and gentleman is the American Dream. And of course, he was only playing a character.
Okay, all kidding aside, John Travolta is a very successful actor who has been around for a long time. He has made a ton of cash and he is the owner of several private jets. Many people may not know that John Travolta is also a licensed pilot in addition to being an actor. He is the owner of seven planes which include a Boeing 707, a Bombardier Challenger 601, a Boeing 727, and other Gulfstream jets.
Jackie Chan's Embraer Legacy 650
Jackie Chan is known for his acting and fighting skills on camera. He has amassed millions of dollars due to his appearance in so many films. He has appeared in over 150 films and has cemented himself in the annals of cinema.
Jackie Chan is known for his humor. He is known so much for his humor that he laughs all the way to the bank. He has a private plane for his own business and leisure purposes, which is an Embraer Legacy 650. Jackie Chan not only represents this company, but he is their brand ambassador as well. The plane that he flies comes complete with dragons and his logo on the plane.
Bobby Sherman's Boeing 720B
Sixties teen pop sensation Bobby Sherman purchased a Boeing 720B in 1973 and named it the “Starship”. The private plane was decked out to suit a rock star’s every fantasy and was used to transport the biggest names in the business throughout the mid-1970s. The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, The Allman Brothers, and The Bee Gees are just a few of the huge musical acts who had the privilege of chartering the Starship.
The plane’s unbelievable custom features included a king-sized waterbed, a fireplace, electric organ, and 30-foot bar (fully stocked with both controlled stubstances and alcohol, of course). Unfortunately, the party in the sky lasted only four years. The Starship was scrapped for parts in 1982 but is fondly remembered in many rock legends’ memoirs.
Clooney and Crawford's Casamigos Jet
For her 50th birthday, supermodel Cindy Crawford's husband whisked her away to a tropical getaway on his and George Clooney's private jet (because you can do those things when you're loaded!) Crawford and her husband Rande Gerber, a restaurant mogul, are known for letting loose, as Crawford shares videos of her shenanigans on her Instagram with friends like George Clooney and his wife Amal.
In fact, the Casamigos private jet that the couple is in front is owned by Gerber and Clooney. The friends started a tequila company in 2012 and clearly, you need a private jet when you're throwing back all of those shots promoting your brand. The two power couples are often spotted taking the jet for both business and pleasure.
Steven Spielberg's, Oprah Winfrey's, and Celine Dion's Bombardier Global Express XRS
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most popular women of the 20th and 21st century. Celine Dion is a mega star who has sold millions of records and possesses five Grammy Awards. Steven Spielberg is responsible for directing dozens of award-winning, classic movies. All three of these individuals are known for their talents and influences. All of them also own the same model of jet, and so apparently have similarities when it comes to their traveling needs.
Oprah Winfrey, Celine Dion, and Steven Spielberg all use the Bombardier Global Express XRS to travel the friendly skies. The Bombardier Global Express XRS can travel for up to 16 hours before it needs to be refueled. It is spacious and it can hold 14 passengers as well.
Beyoncé and Jay Z's Bombardier Challenger 850
What better way to tell your husband that he's doing a great job as a father? By buying him a private jet, of course! At least, that's what superstar Beyoncé did when she shelled out a cool $40 million to reward hubby Jay Z for being an amazing dad to their daughter Blue Ivy.
The Bombardier Challenger 850 comfortably flies 15 passegners and is decked out with all the most extravagant luxuries, including a bedroom, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and cream leather seats throughout the living room. Not a bad way to travel the friendly skies!
Elvis Presley's Convair 880
Elvis Presley probably had dozens, if not hundreds, of people swarming him at any particular time. Could you imagine being Elvis Presley and trying to walk through an airport? That would have been impossible to walk through an airport as he would have been stopped every second trying to get from one point to another point.
Luckily, Presley had his own private jet in which to travel. He had his own Convair 880 to fly the friendly skies. He named the Convair 880 “Lisa Marie,” after his daughter. The Convair Jets usually seated 110 people, but Elvis’ personal plane seated 28 people.
Google's Boeing 757-200
Sergey Brin and Larry Page are the people behind the most famous search engine in the world. These guys are responsible for the creation of the mega search Google. They are responsible for making Google a household name essentially.
Both Sergey Brin and Larry Page are the owners of a Boeing 757-200. Aptly, this luxury aircraft has been named one of the “Google Jets.” This one has a dining area and a steam room. The jet is able to accommodate 50 people and it also has 15 first-class seats.
Fleetwood Mac's Private Jet
Led Zeppelin wasn't the only band to have a private plane. British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac also owned a plane in the 1970s. It's incredible how many musicians continued to charter private planes in the '70s, as plane accidents became more frequent.
Jerry Seinfeld's $22 Million Gulfstream V
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld not only owns an incredible collection of cars but an airplane, too. According to Herald Weekly, Seinfeld purchased a Gulfstream V private plane worth $22 million.
Not only that, but he reportedly made the purchase without needing any help from the bank with his hefty net worth.
Jim Carrey's Gulfstream V
Jim Carrey has worked his way into the hearts of many people giving his gift of comedy and entertainment to millions of people around the world. And it would seem that Jim Carrey adeptness at making us all laugh has coincided with his ability to turn laughter into money. They say money cannot buy happiness, but there are some people who beg to differ. And, it can definitely buy jets.
Jim Carrey is the owner of a Gulfstream V. The Gulfstream V jet is one of the fastest jets around today. It is a high-performance jet that has the ability to travel at the speed of sound. This jet holds up to 16 people.
Tiger Woods' Gulfstream G550
The Tiger gets around...when it comes to traveling that is! Tiger Woods is a popular professional golf player who has made billions of dollars in the game of golf. He holds 15 championship wins under his belt and probably has a ball pit full of cash.
Tiger Woods has put this cash to good use and one of the things that he has purchased was a Gulfstream G550 jet. A lot of the people who have these expensive planes seem to lean towards these Gulfstream jets. His jet has oval windows, a built-in restroom, and a wardrobe. The jet can fly over 12,000 km without stopping for gas for more than 12 hours.
Tom Cruise's Gulfstream IV
Tom Cruise is the perfect example of an actor who has made his real life similar to one of his roles. When I think of Tom Cruise, I can only think of two words: Top Gun. Many people may have the same thought process as well when they think of Tom Cruise. Tom Cruise may have been inspired by the movie Top Gun to have an interest in planes and to foster his love of aviation.
Tom Cruise has a private Gulfstream IV jet. This jet is a state-of-the-art G4 which seats two people in the cockpit and also has room to carry 19 passengers. The Gulfstream IV can reach an altitude of about 45,000 feet. And that tells you how successful Cruise has become.
Elizabeth Taylor's Husbands Had Private Planes
Actress Elizabeth Taylor and her actor husband Richard Burton lived a glamorous lifestyle. Married from 1964 until 1974, and then getting remarried for one more year from 1975-1976, they both got what they wanted, when they wanted it. After taking a flight, Burton purchased the brand new jet they flew in for Taylor for $960,000
Tragically, Taylor's ex-husband, film producer Mike Todd, died in his private plane when it crashed in 1958. He had named it "The Liz" after her. But that didn't deter Taylor from flying in small aircraft.
Wayne Huizenga's De Havilland Canada DHC-6-320 Twin Otter
Who is Wayne Huizenga you ask? If you have not heard of this man, Wayne Huizenga is an entrepreneur. He was the owner of the Miami Dolphins, but he now owns 5% percent of the Miami Dolphins team. He also owns 5% of the Hard Rock Stadium which is located in Miami. He actually started off in the garbage business. He was not collecting trash, of course, but he owned a waste manage business before owning the Miami Dolphins.
Out of the heap and into the lap of luxury, Huizenga owns a de Havilland Canada DHC-6-320 Twin Otter. The Twin Otter is one of the most robust transportation vehicles that is currently in existed. It can carry about 19 people and can land on the roughest of strips.
Phil Mickelson's Gulfstream GV
Tiger Woods isn't the only professional golfer with a private jet. Phil Mickelson reportedly threw down $60 million on a Gulfstream GV. He customized it with Rolls-Royce engines and paid extra for advanced technology in the cockpit.
It fits 14 people and has a luxurious interior, too. Mickelson might have spent a pretty penny on his private jet but it has all of the bells and whistles.
Gautam Singhania's Bombardier Challenger 600 Series
Gautam Singhania is another gentleman who is loaded with money. For those of you who have never heard of Gautam Singhania, he is a millionaire who has made his fortune in worsted (wool) fabric. He is a chairman of the Raymond Group, which is the largest producer in the world of worsted fabric.
Gautam Singhania is known in India for his love of fast cars and other vehicles such as boats and planes. He is the owner of a fabulous Bombardier Challenger 600 Series jet. The jet was designed by Eric Roth, who is a very well-known interior designer of aircraft interiors.
Roman Abramovich's Boeing 767-33A
Roman Abramovich is a Lithuanian businessman and entrepreneur. He is perhaps best known for being the primary owner of an investment company known as Millhouse LLC. In addition to owning Millhouse LLC, he is also the owner of the Chelsea Football Club.
Roman Abramovich has to have what other billionaires have, this being an awesome jet to travel from here to there in style. Roman Abramovich is the owner of a Boeing 767-33A. His Boeing 767-33A has an interior that is made out of chestnut and adorned with pure gold. He is often seen in this jet around London since he spends a lot of time there.
Al Mooney's Mooney M20
Albert “Al” Mooney (April 12, 1906 – May 7, 1986) was an aircraft designer by trade. In fact, he was impressively self-taught in the art of designing aircraft. It is therefore no surprise that he would end up creating a line of private jets.
Al Mooney was considered to be an innovator in the field of aviation. With his gift of invention, it was only fair that he created his own line of private jets known as the Mooney M20 aka the Mooney Bravo. These jets made their debut in 1955 and are still being produced today.
Hugh Hefner's Playboy Jet
Before he passed, Hugh Hefner was notorious for never wanting to be inconvenienced. He liked to do things a certain way and enjoyed his comfort and privacy. Hefner bought a jet in the late '60s and named her "Big Bunny" complete with the playboy logo on the tail of the plane.
Reportedly costing around $5 million, Hefner used the jet to fly around the world with his clients and Playboy bunnies. Hefner wrote in the Wall Street Journal, "I saw the future when I was in London: The [...] revolution was going on and the miniskirt had just arrived ... I decided then and there to get the jet."
Sol Kerzner Jets Everywhere
Sol Kerzner, the casino and hotel magnate, is incredibly wealthy. He racks up quite a bit of mileage on his jet, reportedly flying 158 hours in a single month.
Kerzner travels frequently, and often brings one of his girlfriends along with him. His private jet wasn't big enough for his 50th birthday party, however. For that, he had to charter an even bigger aircraft, one that carried 150 of his closest friends to his hotel and casino in Mauritius.
Lady Gaga Travels in Style
Lady Gaga owns a Boeing 757, which was given to her by LIVE NATION. When onboard, Gaga does what she pleases, and sometimes makes news for it. She makes use of her time on board to catch up on her beauty routines. She's posted photos of herself in a fur coat with a blue gel face mask on, tapping away on her phone.
Paul McCartney Always Has a Private Plane
Never slowing down, Paul McCartney has been traveling by private plane since the '60s with The Beatles. His tours always include plenty of stops, and McCartney frequently travels back and forth from the UK to the US.
Aside from privacy and comfort, McCartney has another reason for traveling by private plane: he tends to bring a lot of stuff. Upon arriving in the US in 2016, his assistants were seen carefully carrying out instruments and bottles of wine McCartney had brought back with him.
Cameron Crowe Still Flies After a Scary Experience
Rock journalist and director Cameron Crowe is living the rockstar lifestyle with his private plane. Like others in the music industry in the '70s, Crowe has had some bad experiences aboard private planes, but that didn't stop him from buying one of his own.
He told Rolling Stone, "Iwas on a really bad plane flight on the Who tour in 1973. They let me fly with the T-shirt-merchandising guy. He was so eager to get to the next city to see this redhead that he flew us into a storm and went as fast as he could. I swore I wouldn't go on any more private planes. Then I got together with Nancy, and Heart did a tour with a private plane, where I took the second-worst plane flight of my life. We were in a storm so terrible that you really were looking at people for the last time. We ended up landing in Tupelo, which is why it's Tupelo in the movie. The joke was that we were going to die in Elvis' hometown, so it could never be famous for where we crashed."
The New England Patriots' Private Plane
The NFL's New England Patriots have their own luxurious aircraft to fly them to games across the country. The Boeing 767 was purchased by team owner Robert Kraft in August 2017. He didn't buy just one, but two Boeings for the Patriots.
Alex Rodriguez Upgraded to a Gulfstream
In 2017, retired baseball star Alex Rodriguez was spotted with a brand new jet. He already had a LearJet 60, but he decided to upgrade to a Gulfstream IV like Tom Cruise and others.
The bigger aircraft allows Rodriguez to fly further, with twice the mileage capacity as his last plane. It sits 14 people with a luxurious interior.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Used His Jet to Commute Every Day
Arnold Schwarzenegger has accomplished a whole lot in life, including a successful bodybuilding career, actor, and politician. It makes sense that a busy guy like Arnold would have a private jet to get around. However, not everyone saw it that way.
While holding office as the governor of California, Arnold used his Gulf-stream jet for his daily commute from his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, to Sacramento. Critics said that his stance against oil was hypocritical while he flew to work every day.
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Has Two Planes
For how flashy boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is, you'd expect him to have a jet. He has not one, but two multi-million dollar private planes that he loves showing off. As one of the richest athletes of all time, Mayweather has money to throw around. It's not confirmed how much he spent on the jets, but models like the ones he has, the GulfStream III, go for around $34 million.
One of the jet's interiors features white leather seats and a lavish kitchen complete with golden handles and faucets. It resembles a Las Vegas casino, which makes sense since that's where he spends most of his time. His newest jet has black leather seats.
