Thrones, gold seat buckles and a concert hall: Inside the gloriously opulent private jets of the world’s richest including a prince’s ‘flying palace’ and Trump’s $100m plane
For most people, flying is a boring and uncomfortable experience. But in the customized private jets that belong to the ultrarich the possibilities are endless, and it’s astounding to look at.
These incredible aircraft include cinemas, marble baths, aquariums, Rolls Royce garages, glass floors, concert halls, wellbeing rooms, thrones, chef’s kitchens and gold seat buckles.
Each unique jet can be personally designed down to the tiniest luxurious detail for work or play.
Photographer Nick Gleis specializes in picturing such planes. But many of the owners wish to remain anonymous, so around 90 percent of Gleis?s work is never seen by the public.
Well-known names who feature in the photos below include Jackie Chan, Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal and Donald Trump.
Chan’s plush jet has his name and intertwining dragons emblazoned on the side. Al-Waleed’s has several planes and his ‘flying palace’ includes a concert hall complete with a grand piano. And Donald Trump’s chosen transport has 18 IMAX-level speakers in the cinema room.
Plush: The dining facilities on board Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal’s private Boeing 747. The prince owns several planes, one of which includes a concert hall complete with a grand piano
Gold: A comfortable throne sits in the middle of Prince Al-Waleed’s Boeing 747
Collection: The prince has several planes including the smaller A Hawker jet, left, and the Boeing 747.
Tranquil: The interior of Jackie Chan’s Embraer SA Legacy 650 jet is designed to be relaxing. The plane transports up to 14 people
Thumbs up: Jackie Chan’s plane is emblazoned with his name and personal logo
Anonymous: The owners of most private jets like to keep their luxurious travel arrangements out of the public eye
Detail: Every part of a private plane can be customized to the final detail, like this exquisite sink
Gleaming: The detail on these doors resemble a luxury home rather than a means of transportation
Snacktime: This kitchen could produce a gourmet meal to wile away the hours on a long flight
Luxury: The curving lines of this jet disguise the fact you are inside an aircraft
Freshen up? Even large bathrooms are elegantly designed to make a big impression
Looking after the staff: On this jet, even the pilots travel in sheepskin luxury
Bespoke: Donald Trump bought his private jet from Microsoft executive Paul Allen for $100 million in 2010 and then he customized it. It includes a cinema room and little extras like gold faucets and seat buckles
Emblazoned: There’s no mistaking that this plane belongs to Donald Trump from the outside
Multi-purpose: Each plane can be configured for work, play or both
Dine in style: Panels and screens section off different areas of the impressive jets
On the agenda: Why waste time in the air when you can have a boardroom meeting?
Traveling in style: These private jets provide huge levels of comfort
Futuristic: In this plane the mirrored ceiling creates the illusion of a bigger space
Relaxing: There’s enough space to stretch out on this plane
