Some billionaires can travel in style. They have upgraded their million-dollar planes, making the flying experience much better. Meanwhile, the U.S. military does not spend millions on flashy upgrades to customize their planes. They invest millions in the most advanced, safe, and practical aircraft. Continue reading to know everything about the Top 10 Most Expensive Aircraft in the World, ranked according to their prices.
Most Expensive Private Jets in the World in 2024
1. B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber ($2.1 Billion)
With a staggering $2.1 Billion, The B-2 Spirit is by far the most expensive aircraft ever produced. It has been known to be so extravagant that Congress reduced its initial purchase order from 132 to 21 in 1987. In 2008, after an unfortunate incident, the US Air Force decided to control 20 of these fearsome craft. This calculated bomber uses low-stealth technology to infiltrate anti-aircraft defenses. It is known to carry both conventional and nuclear missiles. The Spirit Stealth Bomber can drop up to 80 JDAM GPS-guided bombs weighing 500 pounds or 16 B83 nuclear bombs weighing 2,400 pounds.
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2. Airbus A380 Custom ($500 Million)
It’s no surprise that Saudi Arabia’s Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal owns the world’s most expensive private plane. This ultra-luxurious aircraft has a two-car garage. It includes a space for the prince’s hawks, a stable, various bedrooms, and bathrooms with showers. It also has a “wellness area.” The double-decker Airbus 380 is the largest commercial airliner. However, Prince Al-Waleed has reduced passenger space to add his garage, bedrooms, and other luxuries. As the creator of Kingdom Holding Company, he is easily able to afford the Airbus A380 Custom. Also being the largest individual shareholder and the world’s 26th richest person, the aircraft is surely befitting for a prince.
3. Airbus A340-300 Custom ($350-$500 Million)
This customized Airbus A340-300 is owned by Russia’s richest billionaire, Alisher Usmanov. The jet features an eye-catching bespoke paint job with the name “Bourkhan” on the side, which honors Usmanov’s father. Being Russia’s biggest plane, it is definitely bigger than President Putin’s Ilyushin IL-96. The jet initially cost around $238 million. However, after a luxurious restoration, it is projected to be worth between $350 and $500 million. This change in number is due to the interior decorating and technology used. The jet can transport 375 passengers and travel 9,000 kilometers. The aircraft certainly pairs up well with Usmanov’s superyacht, Dilbar, which he named after his mother.
4. F-22 Raptor ($350 Million)
The F-22 Raptor is chiefly regarded as the best overall combat aircraft all across the world, but it is also the most expensive. Lockheed Martin designed this single-seat, twin-engine, stealth fighter for the U.S. Air Force. It is a tactical, all-weather plane. The plane’s manufacturing terminated in 2012 after a final acquisition of 187 operational aircraft. This was done due to its high cost, a ban on exports, and the development of the less expensive, more versatile F-35. Nonetheless, the F-22 Raptor can take down enemy cruise missiles, fly at supersonic speeds over long distances, and dodge practically all sorts of radar detection. This inevitably makes it one of the best fighter planes in the world.
5. C-17A Globemaster III ($328 Million)
This Boeing plane was designed for the U.S. Air Force. It is one of its largest military transport aircraft. The C-17A is used for strategic and pre-emptive airlift tasks. These include transporting troops and cargo, medical evacuations, and airdrops in emergencies. It is also noted for experiencing development issues in early 1993, during numerous testing phases. The contractor liable for the design, McDonnell Douglas, worked for the Department of Defense. It lost about $1.5 billion during development. McDonnell Douglas joined Boeing in 1997. However, the Air Force presently owns between 180 to 210 of these creatures.
6. P-8A Poseidon ($290 Million)
Boeing Defense, Space & Security fashioned this spruced-up jet for the US Navy. It is a modified version of the 737-800ERX. It can do anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, and shipping interdiction. This is how it earns its name as the world’s best defensive plane. This creature is undefeatable. It has torpedoes, depth charges, SLAM-ER missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and much more. The plane is flown in conjunction with the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton, an unmanned maritime surveillance plane.
7. Boeing 747-430 Custom ($233 Million)
The penultimate, customized 747 on this list is owned by one of the world’s richest monarchs, the Sultan of Brunei from Borneo. The original plane cost about $100 million. But, the Sultan spent over $130 million to renovate its lavish, gold-accented cabin. The living room, bedroom, and bathroom are all decked in gold and Lalique crystal, with washbasins fashioned of real gold. This is another opulent sky mansion, and the Sultan has three additional wide-body jets, but this is his largest.
8. E-2D Advanced Hawkeye ($232 Million)
The Grumman Aircraft Company built this anomalous military jet, which is utilized by the US Navy to replace the previous E-1 Tracer. It is an all-weather, carrier-capable planned airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft. The Hawkeye has modern APY-9 radar systems and an advanced radio suite. It has satellite communication, turboprop engines, a tactical glass cockpit, and advanced electronic scanning. Fundamentally, this is the best aircraft for observation and reconnaissance. It also includes Cooperative Engagement Capability. It lets the jet launch overland cruise missiles from ground-based assets.
9. Boeing 747-400 Custom ($220 Million)
Saudi Arabia’s Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal is the owner of this modified Boeing 747-400. After purchasing the jet in 2003, the prince bejeweled it with two luxurious bedrooms, a 14-person dining table, and even a throne in the center. This act marked him as the real captain of the flight, even if he may not be taking the controls. There are 11 flight attendants on board at all times to ensure the prince’s needs are met.
10. Boeing 747-8 VIP ($153 Million)
Another Hong Kong real estate billionaire, Joseph Lau, owns this “VIP” Boeing 747-8. It is known as the “Dreamliner” and displays a special design with cutting-edge technology. This allows the billionaire to travel in style while inspecting his properties. Some of the features include vaulted ceilings, wall-mounted TV displays, and spiral stairs. The standard 747-8 Intercontinental can accommodate 467 passengers. However, Lau’s extensive version sits much fewer because of the expensive upgrades the billionaire has added to his glorious aircraft.
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Conclusion
Considering the innumerable features of these expensive yet slick rides, it is certain that these are the top 10 most expensive aircrafts of the world. However, there are also other aircrafts, both for military as well as private uses, that have caught the attention of aircraft fans all across the world.
