There are private aircraft collections; then there are those that stand apart from the rest. Such is the case with Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire who loves his big jets. They are big and luxurious. From large corporate-style Gulfstream jets to the widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliner business jet, Abramovich has it all.
The man behind the aircraft
Abramovich is a successful man, noted for incredible financial wealth, a citizen of three countries (Russia, Israel, and Portugal), and a foray into politics. He is the former owner of the Chelsea Football Club and the primary owner of the private investment company Millhouse LLC.
Constant travel to support this flurry of activity caused the oligarch to consider expanding his private jet collection. This became evident when he was governor of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, a federal subject region of Russia with many inaccessible areas.
The need for rapid and accessible travel was the impetus for his first jet, a Boeing Business Jet (a VIP modification of Boeing 737-700). According to Global Air,
“The Boeing Business Jet or BBJ is a member of the 737 family and its fuselage is based on the 737-700 commercial airliner. This private jet can fly non-stop from Johannesburg to London or Los Angeles to Paris.
Each aircraft is unique in itself but all of them will feature luxurious amenities such as a spacious living room, master bedroom suite, second bedroom/office, and multiple lavatories.”
After becoming governor, he discovered regular flights between Moscow and Anadyr required a fuel stop in Igarka. His expanding jet collection would resolve that issue.
- Cabin galley: Yes
- Lavatory: Yes
- Max. cabin length: 79.2 ft (24.13 m)
- Max. cabin width: 11.6 ft (3.54 m)
- Max. height: 7.4 ft (2.2 m)
- Max. speed: 473 knots
- Max. range: 5,375 NM
Big money, big planes
|
Variant |
767-300ER/F |
|---|---|
|
Cockpit crew |
Two |
|
3-class seats |
210 (18F, 42J, 150Y) |
|
2-class seats |
261 (24J, 237Y) |
|
1-class |
290Y (351) |
|
Cargo |
4,030 cu ft (114.1 m3) |
|
ULD: 32–36 |
30 LD2s |
|
Length |
180 ft 3 in (54.94 m) |
|
Wingspan |
156 ft 1 in (47.57 m) |
|
Wing |
3,050 sq ft (283.3 m2), 31.5° sweepback |
|
Fuselage |
Exterior: 17 ft 9 in (5.41 m) height, 16 ft 6 in (5.03 m) width; Cabin width: 186 in (4.72 m) |
|
MTOW |
412,000 lb (186.9 t) |
|
Max. payload |
96,560 lb (43.8 t) -300F: 119,000 lb (54 t) |
|
OEW |
198,440 lb (90 t) |
|
Fuel capacity |
std-ER: 16,700–24,140 US gal (63.2–91.4 m3) [111,890–161,740 lb (50.8–73.4 t)] |
|
Range |
5,980 NM (11,070 km; 6,880 mi) |
|
Cruise speed |
Long range-Maximum: 459–486 kn (850–900 km/h; 528–559 mph) at an altitude of 39,000 ft (12,000 m) |
|
Ceiling |
43,100 ft (13,100 m) |
|
Takeoff |
8,700 ft (2,650 m) |
|
Engines (×2) |
PW4000 / CF6 / RB211 |
|
Thrust (×2) |
56,750–61,500 lbf (252–274 kN) |
After the 737, Abramovich purchased a Boeing 767-33AER. Hawaiian Airlines had intended to operate it but canceled the order in 2004. It was then purchased by Abramovich, who had it registered in Aruba and the interior refitted. It was based at London Stansted Airport – part of Harrods Aviation. The 767 had a bright, easily recognizable livery with white, gray, and brown lines. The slanting black stripes near the side windows of the cockpit resembled a mask. These unique exterior markings gave the plane notoriety and the nickname “Bandit.”
After flying in the 767 for some time, Abramovich opted to ‘dream’ big by purchasing his Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Aimed to replace the 767, this top-of-the-line jet is considered one of the most expensive private aircraft in the world.
Abramovich’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Built: 2015 for the Swiss private airline operator, Privateair (never got delivered)
- Seating capacity of up to 50 passengers
- Security personnel: 10
- Staff: 10
- Guests: 30
- Surface area: 224.4 square meters
- Operational range: 18,418 km
Its amenities include a large dining room, a movie-theater-style viewing space, private bedrooms, bathrooms, and walk-in closet space. This Dreamliner’s open-cabin concept can comfortably carry up to 50 passengers via different seating configurations for security, on-board staff, and guests.
The inside of the aircraft has been drastically modified from the standard version. The cabin is equipped with a banquet hall with accommodation for 30 people, a kitchen, an office, and a bedroom with a double bed. Precious metals and fine woods make up the lavish décor of the airplane’s interior.
In addition, the aircraft has the newest communication and security systems, including Abramovich’s own anti-ballistic defense system, the cost of which exceeds two million dollars. Based on the inner furnishings and functionality of the Russian business executive’s aircraft, it rivals the airplanes of many world leaders.
Abramovich enjoys flying in heavy jets that have comprised his fleet at one time or another. The aircraft he flies is determined by the purpose and distance of his trip. Shorter trips may utilize his $60 million Gulfstream G650ER, while the 18-hour endurance on the 787 provides an even more global reach. Whatever he is flying on, Roman Abramovich is undoubtedly enjoying the jet-setter life.