Thursday 16 June 2011

Saudi billionaire buys world’s largest private jet, sends it for further lavish modifications and spends a few more millions on it


When it hit the news for the first time before around 3 years that Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia was to be an owner of the world’s largest private jet, Airbus A380 Superjumbo, it wasn’t really that exciting. But now that we have little inside info about the new aircraft of the world’s 19th richest man, its really interesting.




With its 73-meter, or 240-foot, double-deck fuselage and 80-meter wingspan, the 560-ton A380 dwarfs the rides of the even world’s most powerful leaders. The King, 52, more than considering oil as his major source of fortune, controls Kingdom Holding, a vast enterprise with stakes in scores of blue-chip company , including Citigroup, News Corp. and Walt Disney.


Ok now, getting back to the luxurious buy the King has made. It is reported that he spent something close to $320 million on His new private aircraft and if that wasn’t enough he further spent another $176 million on lavish modifications. If you may ask, like what:

  • A $ 60 million gold leaf paintjob

  • A lounge to seat a traveling entourage of 25 aides

  • A marble-paneled dining room with seating for 14

  • A bar with curtains to mimic tents of the Arabian desert

  • A fiber-optic mosaic depicting a shifting desert scene

  • A movie theater with leather seats

  • A series of bedrooms linked by intercom

  • A gym and a large silk bed That will be the centerpiece of the plane’s interior

  • Although, it was rumored that the King would gain possession of his private jet by 2010, the company (an unnamed German company) that is customizing Prince Alwaleed’s plane and will take another two years to complete. As of now the King uses a B747.

    [Source]