Summary
- The Dassault Falcon 7X is a popular private jet choice for celebrities due to its incredible range and ability to fly halfway around the world without refueling.
- The Cessna Citation V is favored by the rich and famous for short-haul flights, offering efficient and comfortable travel up to 1,960 nautical miles.
- The Gulfstream G650ER is a top choice among the global elite, known for its long range, spacious cabin, and customization options. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk fly this aircraft.
Private aircraft, those that are not operated for non-commercial personal transport, are operated by a diverse group of organizations and individuals, all of whom have very diverse requirements and needs for an aircraft. While many operators are corporations and other special interest groups, some of the most well-known owners of private jets are America’s rich and famous. Let’s focus on this group for this article.
But when it comes to owning a private jet exclusively for the purpose of transporting you across the globe efficiently and without having to deal with the hassle of commercial airports, which specific aircraft are most optimal for your needs? In this article, let’s take a look at five private jets that are most favored by America’s celebrities.
1 Dassault Falcon 7X
A modern long-range option
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Class: |
Ultra-long-range |
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Maximum capacity: |
19 |
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Purchase price: |
$52 Million |
Known as the king of speed, the Falcon 7X pushes the limits of what subsonic aircraft are capable of, achieving a speed of nearly Mach 0.9. With three engines and a variety of cutting-edge flight innovations from manufacturer Dassault, including state-of-the-art fly-by-wire controls, it’s not surprising to see what makes the aircraft so popular.
The Falcon 7X is popular for its incredible range, allowing it to fly halfway around the world without making a stop to refuel. Unsurprisingly, for celebrities, especially those who travel on tight schedules, the ability to forgo refueling can prove extremely valuable.
A variety of celebrities are known to love the Falcon 7X, with Taylor Swift likely being the jet’s best-known operator. Bernie Ecclestone, the Chief Executive Officer of Formula One Group, also owns a Falcon 7X for his personal transportation.
2 Cessna Citation V
An excellent option for short hops
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Class: |
Light |
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Maximum capacity: |
10 |
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Purchase price: |
$1.8 Million |
For short-haul flights, the world’s rich and famous often turn to Cessna’s Citation V light private jet. Not only can the aircraft efficiently and reliably fly distances up to 1,960 nautical miles, but the aircraft can also maintain sea-level air pressure when flying at over 23,000 feet. As a result, the Citation V can offer an unparalleled level of passenger comfort.
While large long-range private jets can often cost incredibly large amounts, smaller private jets, specifically those on the second-hand market, can have far lower prices. While private Boeing 787 Dreamliners are only affordable to kings and oligarchs, athletes, musicians, and many other celebrities can afford the Citation V. For example, Spanish legendary soccer player Sergio Ramos is known to operate a Citation V for his personal use.
3 Gulfstream G650ER
Favored for its long range and spacious cabin
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Class: |
Ultra-long-range |
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Maximum capacity: |
16 |
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Purchase price: |
$66 Million |
Long-beloved by celebrities for its incredibly long range and spacious cabin, the Gulfstream G650ER is one of the most popular aircraft on the market today for the global elite. With a range of over 7,500 nautical miles, the aircraft can easily fly anywhere in the world while only refueling once and can reach most of the globe without a stop.
Photo: BlueBarronPhoto | Shutterstock
Kim Kardashian, a well-known American reality star, is known to operate the G650ER. Kardashian’s aircraft also demonstrates the immense potential for customization, as she sank nearly $160 million into upgrades and renovations on her jet. Billionaires Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk are also known to fly the standard version of the aircraft, the G650.
4 Gulfstream V
Fit for a World Cup champion
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Class: |
long-range |
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Maximum capacity: |
19 |
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Purchase price: |
$43 Million |
Most will immediately recognize the Gulfstream V as the private jet of choice for Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest soccer player ever to take the field. With a range of over 6,500 nautical miles, the aircraft can easily traverse between continents, such as flying from Buenos Aires to Miami, as the soccer legend often does.
Long-range Flights From Buenos AiresBut the Gulfstream V isn’t just favored by Messi but by a host of other celebrities as well. Notably, personalities Mel Gibson and Jim Carrey also both operate the jet.
With a spacious 6’1″ cabin, the aircraft is relatively roomy and provides lots of space for passengers to stretch out. Despite its roomy cabin, the plane also features generous baggage room.
5 Bombardier Challenger 350
The best of both worlds
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Class: |
Midsize |
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Maximum capacity: |
10 |
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Purchase price: |
$27 Million |
This aircraft from Canadian manufacturer Bombardier has long been the favorite of tech moguls and US-based billionaires alike. Bill Gates, the legendary founder of Microsoft, owns and operates a Challenger 350 for his own personal use.
Despite seeming like an opulent purchase, private jet operators praise the Challenger’s relatively low operating costs. Specifically, the aircraft is well-known for its low maintenance requirements and impressive reliability.
The Challenger 350 also leads midsize jets in terms of passenger comfort. With a spacious cabin and generous space for baggage, the aircraft is one of the most comfortable on the market for transcontinental flights and short intercontinental flights like New York to London.