From sports stars to media barons, royalty to singing legends, private jets can often be the largest purchase made by many a millionaire (or billionaire). Mirroring their owners’ unique tastes and needs, there are numerous private jets that have been customised to make the rare even more unique – making these planes some of the most famous private jets in world.
Elvis’s Convair 880, Lisa Marie. Image courtesy of Rolling Stone.
There was only one King, and Elvis wanted to travel like one. His Convair 880, christened after his daughter Lisa Marie, is a private jet that still draws the crowds at Graceland. Originally bought from Delta in 1975, a remodelling to include gold-plated bathroom fixtures cost $800,000. Visitors to Graceland can view Elvis’s private rooms, as well as gold-plated seat belts, suede chairs, leather covered tables and 24-carat gold-flecked sinks. Alongside fans can also see his smaller Hound Dog II, a Lockheed JetStar, which Elvis bought the same year as he waited for the Lisa Marie to be refurbished.
Bombardier Global Express XRS
Media barons come no more well known than Oprah Winfrey – in fact the “Queen of All Media” has been a popular moniker. The star of her eponymous show beginning in the mid 1980s, Oscar and Golden Globe nominated Winfrey once told the graduating class at Duke University that the joys of success included owning a mansion – and her own jet. “Anyone that tells you that having your own private jet isn’t great is lying to you,” she was reported as saying. And she has good company who must agree, her Bombardier Global Express XRS has proven popular with other big names, with Stephen Spielberg and Celine Dion also choosing the aircraft to celebrate, and aid, their busy and successful careers.
Lewis Hamilton’s Bombardier CL-600. Image courtesy of The Mirror.
While many hours are spent crafting bespoke leather and walnut interiors, Lewis Hamilton’s Bombardier CL-600 stands out from the crowd with its bright red exterior. Bought at the age of 28, Lewis’s jet more than matches many a footballer’s fast red car. Kitted out with a number of flat screen TVs and pull out bed, Hamilton’s jet is said to have been purchased in order to maintain a close relationship with former partner Nicole Scherzinger – though with a range of 5,186km, maybe the F1 star might consider something new if he wants to make it all the way to LA and back.
Donald Trump’s Boeing 757-200. Image courtesy of The Mirror.
And finally, we cannot but mention Donald Trump, the GOP Presidential hopeful. Known for his strong opinions and very personal tastes he bought Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s Boeing 757-200 in 2011 and revamped the interiors to his liking. Gold is ubiquitous, from bathroom fixtures to seat belts, and configured with just 43 seats rather than the 239 the plane can manage there is plenty of space for some very special luxuries including a home cinema room.
But does Trump have it, at least on the jet stakes? Perhaps not, if you take a look at Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal’s $500 million Airbus A380 with Turkish bath, parking for a Rolls Royce, and a concert hall featuring a full grand piano.
Reflecting the needs, tastes and whims of each of their famous owners, these jets offer a sneak peek into some very extraordinary lives indeed.