Billionaires and Their Private Jets: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the Tech Elite
The world's wealthiest individuals spend more on private aviation than any other discretionary expense. Here is who flies what — and how much it costs them.
Elon Musk: Two Gulfstream G650ERs
Musk's two G650ERs (N628TS and N272BX) collectively logged over 350 flight hours in 2023, emitting approximately 2,100 tonnes of CO₂. His usage pattern: multiple short-hop flights connecting Los Angeles, Austin, Boca Chica, and Washington DC. Average trip: 1.5–2.5 hours. Primary concern: schedule — he is documented as departing Boca Chica within hours of SpaceX Starship tests.
Jeff Bezos: Gulfstream G650ER + G550
Bezos operates a G650ER for long-range travel and a G550 for shorter, more flexible movements. Both registered through corporate shell entities for privacy. His New Shepard sub-orbital experience has not diminished private aviation usage — the two are complementary in range and purpose.
Bill Gates: Gulfstream G650ER
Gates famously defended private jet travel in 2021 stating he buys SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) to offset. His foundation travel — Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asian developing markets — generates genuine logistical challenges that commercial aviation cannot solve. His G650ER is one of the most carbon-offset business jets in operation.
Larry Ellison: Gulfstream G650ER + Gulfstream V
Ellison maintains multiple aircraft including a G650ER for primary travel and a Gulfstream V used for secondary trips. He has also maintained a MiG-29 jet fighter (experimental certification) for personal use — the only US billionaire documented as operating a supersonic military aircraft.
Bernard Arnault (LVMH): Falcon 8X
Arnault's Dassault Falcon 8X reflects France's dominant position in luxury aviation — operating a French-designed aircraft from the brand LVMH partially owns. The Falcon 8X's range covers Paris to Beijing without fuel stop, serving Arnault's Asian luxury market visits.
