While the pandemic boom is slowly coming to an end, private jet companies have seen membership requests multiply and customers’ expectations rise in turn. With more competition for jet time, the wealthiest are now looking at total ownership. But there is a lot more to think about when purchasing a private jet than availability, including the aircraft’s range, speed and size.
The wave of innovation that followed the sharp increase in the industry brought even more factors for buyers to consider. Most private planes now have additional advanced features and customizable design options that can significantly alter buying costs and widen the price range. Elite Traveler has gathered the most expensive private jets in the world categorized by their size.
[Explore the Elite Traveler Top Jets database here]
Long Range Jets
Boeing 747-8 VIP – $418.4m
One of Boeing’s bestselling models, the 747-8 is one of the longest and largest aircraft ever built. It has an impressive range of 8,875 nm (nautical miles) and can reach a maximum speed of 645 miles per hour. Though the commercial version of this plane has more than 400 seats available, there is the possibility of purchasing the aircraft as a private jet — with a price tag of $418.4m for an unfurnished interior.
[See also: The Longest Range Private Jets]
For those looking to upgrade, the sky is the limit. One anonymous buyer who bought a 747-8 spent an extra $200m to transform the aircraft, adding living rooms, bathrooms, a master suite, and a dining room for 14 people.
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The jet is so impressive that the US Airforce chose Boeing 747-8s for the presidential planes Air Force One and Air Force Two (although with their presidential retrofits, these aircraft are estimated to be worth as much as $660m).
Boeing BBJ 777-8 – $400m
Known for also being the longest-range private jet available on the market, the twin-engine Boeing Business Jet 777-8 is arguably the most expensive private jet in the world, costing upwards of $400m depending on your choice of customization. With a range of over 11,500nm, it can fly up to 75 passengers across the globe without stopping to refuel.
Featuring a spacious 3,256 sq ft cabin, the interiors of the BBJ 777-8 can be customized to your liking and can include a range of interior spaces including lounges, dining rooms, bedrooms, and conference rooms. On launching the aircraft, Boeing commissioned three leading design firms (Greenpoint Technologies, Jet Aviation, and Unique Aircraft Design) to create concepts for the cabin, showcasing the way it can be transformed to suit the tastes of an individual buyer.
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ACJ350 XWB – $317m
The ACJ350 XWB is the latest addition to Airbus Corporate Jets’ collection of wide-bodied aircraft, with a capacity for 25 VIP passengers. Featuring a range of 11,100 nm (or over 22 hours of non-stop flying), the ACJ350 XWB is also one of the most expensive private jets in the world, with a starting price of around $317m. The ‘XWB’ in its title stands for Xtra Widebody; this extra space within the cabin allows the aircraft to deliver more comfort and flexibility with the choice of internal spaces.
What’s more, Airbus has designed the fuselage with next-generation carbon composite materials. To adapt to the challenge of working with a new material, the ACJ350 XWB comes with ‘Easyfit cabin outfitting’, and has worked extensively with cabin outfitters to ensure the private jet is fully customizable, and that customers can design their aircraft to fit their needs. According to Airbus, the ACJ350 XWB engine also allows for lower CO2 emissions.
[See also: How Much Does It Cost to Own a Private Jet?]
Airbus ACJ TwoTwenty – $80m
With its six living areas, totaling 785 sq ft, the ACJ TwoTwenty can comfortably seat up to 18 passengers. The 100 possibilities for cabin configuration can turn the luxurious interiors into exactly what buyers need.
The ACJ TwoTwenty has an impressive range that allows it to fly non-stop from Los Angeles to London and is equipped with all the latest tech, including Ku-band connectivity (twice the speed of current onboard wifi) and a 55-inch screen. Its LED mood lighting makes the flying experience more productive, enjoyable and relaxing.
Airbus’ latest jet also has a quieter and more fuel-efficient engine than similar previous-generation aircraft, resulting in lower operating and maintenance costs.
Bombardier Global 8000 – $78m
Although initially penned for release in 2019, Bombardier has announced that the Global 8000 is expected to enter service in 2025. With a range of 8,000 nm, it is set to be the farthest traveling of Bombardier’s business jets. An impressive top speed of Mach 0.94 will connect some of the world’s most distant city pairings, including New York to Sydney and Los Angeles to Singapore.
Onboard, the possibilities are limitless with a fully customizable cabin spread over four living spaces including an Executive Cabin with three workspaces for business travelers. The low cabin altitude (2,900 ft), air-cleaning system, and circadian rhythm-based lightning make passengers’ experience as enjoyable as possible – especially for long-distance flyers.
Dassault Falcon 10X – $75m
The Dassault Falcon 10X is scheduled to go into service in 2025, but its extra-large cabin – the biggest in the industry – is already attracting buzz. The 6ft 8in tall and 9ft 1in wide space is undoubtedly enough to satisfy any interior configuration preferences or needs. This includes the flexibility to create a spacious master suite with a fixed queen-size bed and a private stand-up shower.
The Falcon 10X will offer a cleaner twin-engine without sacrificing power and the Rolls-Royce Pearl® 10x is set to be capable of dispatching over 18,000 pounds of thrust. The flight deck and controls are among the most innovative in the industry, with Falcon’s next-generation Digital Flight Control System making the aircraft not only more comfortable but safer too.
Gulfstream G800 – $72.5m
The Gulfstream G800 is the renowned company’s longest-range business jet. Its twin Rolls-Royce engines allow it to fly 8,000 nm at Mach 0.85 without refueling, with a top cruising speed of Mach 0.925.
The four living areas of the Gulfstream G800 can welcome 19 seated passengers and can accommodate up to 10 sleeping spaces. The plane is optimized for natural light, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic views across the world.
Comfort and safety are ensured by advanced technology, which provides a 100% fresh air supply renewed every two to three minutes. The cabin configuration and interiors are designed to make the flying experience as peaceful and quiet as possible.
Mid-size Jets
Cessna Citation Longitude – $30m
One of Cessna’s best transatlantic models, the Citation Longitude comes top of our list of the most expensive private jets for the mid-sized class, costing around $30m. It has a range of up to 3,500 nm and a comfortable, 6ft interior with enough space for travelers to stand and move around the cabin easily. Able to accommodate up to 12 passengers, the luxurious cabin can be customized to meet individual travel requirements.
Embraer Praetor 600 – $21m
The Praetor 600 has been designed for long-distance and intercontinental travel. The technologically advanced aircraft costs around $21m and has one of the longest ranges for its class, flying up to 4,018 nm nonstop. It has also been designed with comfort and sophistication in mind, with an ultra-quiet environment perfect for working, relaxing, or making conversation, and space for up to 12 passengers.
One of the great advantages of the Praetor 600 is its runway performance, allowing it to operate from a runway as short as 3,000ft. This gives the aircraft access to a much wider variety of airports, making it possible for passengers to disembark exactly where they want to.
Cessna Citation Sovereign+ – $19m
With its back-to-back sets of club seats, Cessna’s Citation Sovereign + can satisfy both business and leisure travelers. It is a slightly smaller mid-sized jet than the Longitude, which explains the lower price tag of $19m. However, the Citation Sovereign still packs a punch with a range of 3,200 nm and room inside its double-club cabin for up to 9 passengers. With its enhanced technology and remarkable short takeoff capabilities, it’s also able to take off and land in smaller or more challenging airports – such as London City – that the larger private jets would struggle with.
Light Jets
Embraer Phenom 300E – $11.5m
Created by Embraer, the Phenom 300E is one of the world’s most popular light jets. Why such a large fan base? The $11.5m jet carries the title of the fastest single-pilot jet in the world, capable of reaching an impressive Mach 0.80m and a range of 2,010 nautical miles. Generous in cabin space, this efficient jet can carry up to 10 passengers.
Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2- $11.3m
The single-pilot certified CJ4 Gen2 is a newer version of Cessna’s Citation CJ4 jet, already known for its versatility, reliability and durability. The aircraft is ideal for city hopping thanks to its 2,165 nm range and takeoff field length of 3,410 ft.
The next-generation version of the CJ4 has considerable design improvements, making passengers’ experience even more enjoyable. The interiors have been redesigned and offer accented lighting and the possibility to add a two-seat couch. The CJ4 Gen2 can accommodate up to 10 passengers with enough space for amenities such as a refreshment center or an additional lavatory sink and vanity.
[See also: The Best Private Jet Destinations]
