Private jets are not just aircrafts but symbols of dream, luxury, power and wealth. There are many expensive technologies in this vast evolving world. Quantum Computers, Space exploration, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Fusion energy, etc. are some of the expensive technologies being explored constantly. But in aviation, expensive jets have different dimensions and values. They are the future of the aviation industry, as the ultimate aim of humans is to fly with minimal resources on their own just like palmtop on their palm.
Private jets are equipped with luxurious features and new digital technologies containing multiple decks, private suites, luxury dining areas, entertainment zones, lounges, master bedrooms, advanced avionics, high-speed internet connectivity, conference rooms, etc. They are mostly designed and manufactured for ultra-wealthy travelers, VIPs, corporate executives, celebrities, and government officials. There are various exclusive and luxurious models of private jets.
Actually, they are made to serve a variety of purposes and to fulfill the specific needs of individuals and businesses that require efficient and wealthy air travel. They prefer to save time, provide convenience flight, ensure privacy and security, for work and productivity during flight, and to enhance one’s public image by building a sense of luxury and exclusivity.
The cost of private jets depends on the size, model, age, and specifications of the aircraft. Now, let’s take a look at the world’s ten most expensive private jets in the world:
1. Boeing BBJ MAX7 ($101M)
It comes under BBJ MAX aircraft family. In Dec, 2016, it was first ordered for delivery from Orient Global Aviation , and Seacons Trading Ltd was first to buy it in 2018. It costs above US $3,000 per hour which features fly-by-wire spoilers, reduced noise profile, improved aerodynamics and updated flight decks.
As said by CEO Dudy Purwagandhi,”We already operate a BBJ NG as well as a G550, and we’ve chosen the BBJ MAX 7 because it offers more room and more range. The BBJ MAX 7 has features and capability that allow us to meet our very long distance and demanding international flights with the best passenger comfort in its class“
| First Flight | October, 2016 |
| Normal Cruise speed | Mach 0.68 ( 845 km/hr) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.70 ( 870 km/hr) |
| Maximum Take-off weight | 80,286 kg / 177,000 lb |
| Maximum landing weight | 66,043 kg / 145600 lb |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft / 12,497 m |
| Engines; Power | 2 ; kN/ lbs |
| Engine model | CFM LEAP-1B |
| Passenger Capacity | 19 |
| Wingspan | 35.9 m |
| Fuel Capacity | 39,735 liters |
2.ACJ TwoTwenty ($100M)
It is the first ACJ Xtra large bizjet having length of 35m, height of 11.5m and maximum range of 10,465 km. It is provided with five removable auxiliary fuel tanks(ACT) to maximize its range. Switzerland-based Comlux had been preferred as a sole outfitting partner for the first 15 ACJ TwoTwenty aircraft. It belongs to Airbus A220 Family.
It features six wide VIP living areas with a signature flexible cabin catalog , selected interior arrangements and handcrafted furnishing. It has an inbuilt system having wi-fi system, LED lighting, electro-chromatic windows, advanced sound-proofing materials, temperature control system,etc. It can fly at a maximum altitude of 12,500m.
Airbus Corporate Jets ACJ TwoTwenty – Reimagine Your Place In The Sky: Youtube video (By Airbus)
| First Flight | 14 Dec, 2021 |
| Normal Cruise speed | Mach (km/h) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.82 (470 kn; 871 km/hr) |
| Maximum Take-off weight | 63,730 kg/ 140500 lb |
| Maximum landing weight | 51,030 kg/ 112502 lb |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft ( 12,500m) |
| Engines; Power | 2; (84.1-103.6 kN)/ (18,900-23,300 lbs) |
| Engine model | PW1500G |
| Passenger Capacity | 18 |
| Wingspan | 35.1 m |
| Fuel Capacity | 28,570 liters |
3.Bombardier Global 7500 ($81M)
It was first announced in Oct 2010 by the developer Bombardier Aviation and had its first flight on November 4, 2016. However, it was introduced into service after two years. It has a true clean sheet design and was manufactured by using cutting edge technology. It includes all benefits of a business aircraft with pure air system to deliver the cleanest and fastest fresh air replacement.
It has a full kitchen, permanent bed ,and stand-up shower including slower take-off and landing speeds for more safety of passengers and crew. It is the longest range business jet with 7,700 nm (14,260 km) range. Each seat and table is aligned with a window. It has a remarkable seat with floating base, deep recline position and a tilting headrest.
| First Flight | November 4, 2016 |
| Normal Cruise speed | Mach 0.85 (1,040 km/h) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.925 (982 km/hr) |
| Maximum Take-off weight | 52,100 kg/ 114,850 lb |
| Maximum landing weight | 38,918 kg/ 85799 lb |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (16,000 m) (Initial cruise: 43,000 ft (13,000 m)) |
| Engines; Power | 2; 84.2 kN/ 18,920 lbs |
| Engine model | General Electric Passport |
| Passenger Capacity | 19 |
| Wingspan | 31.7 m |
| Fuel Capacity | 23,361 kg/ 51,503 lb |
4.Bombardier Global 8000 ($78M)
It has an 8000 nautical mile range. It has advanced HEPA filter technology with the Soleil circadian-based lighting system and the nuage seat and zero-gravity position.It is provided with a cutting-edge, nice touch cabin management system and fastest ka-band internet connectivity featured with immersive cabin entertainment. Its maximum operating altitude is 51,000 ft. It will have an engine control system with better fuel capacity.
As said by Bombardier, “Service entry for the Global 8000 is anticipated in 2025.” On 22 May senior vice-president of engineering and product development, Stephen McCullough at EBACE said, “On the first day of testing Global 8000 conducted a flight of more than 7.1 hours.”
| First Flight | May, 2023 |
| Normal Cruise speed | Mach 0.85 (566 kn; 1050 km/h) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.94 (627 kn; 1,161 km/h) |
| Maximum Take-off weight | 114,850 lb (52,100 kg) |
| Maximum landing weight | 85799 lb (38,918 kg) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (16,000 m) (Initial cruise: 43,000 ft (13,000 m)) |
| Engines; Power | 2 ; 84.16kN/ 18,920lbs |
| Engine model | General Electric Passport |
| Passenger Capacity | 19 |
| Wingspan | 104 ft (32 m) |
| Fuel Capacity | 51,503 lb (23,361 kg) |
5.Gulfstream G700 ($75M)
Introduced in Oct 2019 at Las Vegas, its cabin measured 63.8 feet long by 8.2 feet wide by 6.3 feet tall giving it a total cabin volume of 2603 cubic feet. It is a stretched version of the successful Gulfstream G50 and has a longer cabin to accommodate up to five areas with 20 traditional Gulfstream oval windows, allowing natural light in the cabin.
G700 set a speed record while flying from Savannah to Doha and also from Doha to Paris during flight testing in 2021. It has obtained its type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as announced by Gulfstream Aerospace on March 29, 2024. It offers true circadian lighting that replicates natural sunlight to maintain refreshment and to avoid jet lag.
As said by Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream, “We are undertaking one of the most extensive flight test programs as the G700 is the first business aircraft to undergo Federal Aviation Administration certification following the passage of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act.”
| First Flight | February 14, 2020 |
| Normal Cruise speed | Mach 0.85 – Mach 0.90 (488–516 kn; 903–956 km/h; 561–594 mph) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.935 (536 kn; 993 km/h; 617 mph) |
| Maximum Take-off weight | 107,600 lb (48,800 kg) |
| Maximum landing weight | kg/ lb |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Engines; Power | 2; 18,250 lbf (81.2 kN) |
| Engine model | Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 |
| Passenger Capacity | 19 |
| Wingspan | 103 ft (31 m) |
| Fuel Capacity | 49,400 lb (22,400 kg) |
6.Dassault Falcon 10X ($75M)
Created by Dassault Aviation in France, it is provided with a high aspect ratio carbon fiber wing. It has a 16m long 4-zone cabin with 50% bigger windows than on the Falcon 8X. It is 33.4m long and 8.4m high. It has a groundbreaking cabin design due to which it got an award.
It is an aircraft of enormous volume, ultra long-range and unlimited potential for enhancing productivity. Only 26 of its type were delivered in 2023 which was below than planned as 35. It has large windows from where natural light comes in , and electrochromic functionality to facilitate cinema and spa-like bathrooms.
As said by Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier , “Dassault Aviation stands apart in its ability to blend high technology , the company is a world leader in aerodynamics and digital flight control , with cabin aesthetics and the inventive use of modern design. The objective is to raise the bar in terms of passenger experience, which is what you will see in the 10X.”
| First Flight | |
| Normal Cruise speed | Mach 0.85 – Mach 0.925 (488–531 kn; 903–983 km/h) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach ( km/hr) |
| Maximum Take-off weight | 52,163 kg (115,000 lb) |
| Maximum landing weight | kg/ lb |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Engines; Power | 2; 80 kN (18,000 lbf) |
| Engine model | Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X |
| Passenger Capacity | 19 |
| Wingspan | 33.6 m (110 ft) |
| Fuel Capacity | 23,451 kg (51,701 lb) |
7.Gulfstream G800 ($72M)
According to Air Charter Advisors, its charter rate will start at $16,500 per hour. Its cockpit is provided with active control sidesticks to allow pilots to communicate nonverbally through tactile controls. It can fly as high as 51,000 feet. It has 4 living areas and 16 windows.
It is able to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions with the use of freshly-designed advanced winglets and aerodynamic wings. It features Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, Combined Vision System, advanced avionics and touch-screen technology.
| First Flight | June 28, 2022 |
| Normal Cruise speed | Mach 0.85 – Mach 0.90 (488–516 kn; 903–956 km/h; 561–594 mph) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.925 (531 kn; 983 km/h; 611 mph) |
| Maximum Take-off weight | 105,600 lb (47,900 kg) |
| Maximum landing weight | kg/ lb |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Engines; Power | 2; 18,250 lbf (81.2 kN) |
| Engine model | Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 |
| Passenger Capacity | 19 |
| Wingspan | 103 ft (31 m) |
| Fuel Capacity | 49,400 lb (22,400 kg) |
8.Gulfstream G650ER ($65M)
It is an extended-range version of the G650 with an upgraded fuel system by increasing fuel capacity of the wet wings. It can fly 13,900km (7,500 nautical miles) range. It got its certification in October 2014 and started delivering in late 2014. It holds the record for the farthest flight in business aviation history and features fly-by-wire technology for comfortable flight.
It is equipped with Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) and predictive landing performance system. American media personality, socialite and businesswoman Kim Kardashian owns this magnificent jet. Two of its type are also owned by Bill Gates. It is the choice of many VIPs.
| First Flight | November 25, 2009 |
| Normal Cruise speed | Mach 0.85 – Mach 0.90 (488–516 kn; 903–956 km/h; 561–594 mph) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.925 (531 kn; 983 km/h; 611 mph) |
| Maximum Take-off weight | 103,600 lb (47,000 kg) |
| Maximum landing weight | kg/ lb |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Engines; Power | 2 ; 16,900 lbf (75.2 kN) |
| Engine model | Rolls-Royce BR725 |
| Passenger Capacity | 19 |
| Wingspan | 99 ft 7 in (30.35 m) |
| Fuel Capacity | 48,200 lb (21,900 kg) |
9.Dassault Falcon 7X ($54M)
Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, it is 23.38m long and 7.83m high made from cutting-edge composite materials.. It is provided with 3 engines, winglets ,and the Falcon Enhanced Avionics System (EASy) Flight Deck. It entered into service after 2 years of its first flight. Its price in 2001 was approximately $35 million. Between 2007 to early 2016, more than 260 Falcon 7X have been delivered. By 2023, 299 aircraft of its type were produced.
It is the first aircraft to be designed entirely on a virtual platform with the extensive use of computer-aided design. On 27 April 2007, it had received its type certification from both the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It is owned by Taylor Swift, Bernie Ecclestone, etc.
| First Flight | 5 May 2005 |
| Normal Cruise speed | Mach 0.8 (459 kn; 850 km/h; 528 mph) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.9 (516 kn; 956 km/h; 594 mph) |
| Maximum Take-off weight | 31,751 kg (70,000 lb) |
| Maximum landing weight | 28,305 kg (62,400 lb) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,545 m (51,000 ft) |
| Engines; Power | 3; 28.48 kN (6,402 lbf) |
| Engine model | P&WC PW307A |
| Passenger Capacity | 19 |
| Wingspan | 26.21 m (86 ft) |
| Fuel Capacity | 14,488 kg (31,940 lb) |
10.Dassault Falcon 6X ($52M)
It is the world’s first extra widebody business jet with 3 zones and 29 windows. It is the first one to use a nitrogen inerting system. It is 25.68m long and 7.47m high. It received FAA and EASA certification on August 22, 2023, and entered service on November 30, 2023.
It is provided with an industry-first skylight that adds natural light in the galley(kitchen) area. The air quality is maintained precisely via hospital-grade HEPA filters that preserve from airborne pathogens. It is guided by the Digital Flight Control System (DFCS) and Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS). It includes an improved controller-pilot data link communication (CPDLC) system and an automatic 3D color weather radar.
This is the video of falcon 6X completion and delivery by their own YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9n3LT7gxaA
| First Flight | 10 March 2021 |
| Normal Cruise speed | Mach 0.8 (459 kn; 850 km/h) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.9 (516 kn; 956 km/h) |
| Maximum Take-off weight | (35,153 kg) (77,500 lb) |
| Maximum landing weight | (30,028 kg) (66,200 lb) |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
| Engines; Power | 2; 59.9 kN (13,460 lbf) |
| Engine model | P&WC PW812D |
| Passenger Capacity | 16 |
| Wingspan | 25.94 m (85.1 ft) |
| Fuel Capacity | 15,325 kg (33,786 lb) |