Airplanes are ordinarily expensive, probably one of the few most expensive commodities in today’s global market. As at the time of writing, the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, a military aircraft, is the most expensive airplane in the world, costing over $2 billion. While the Antonov An-225 Mriya, the suppose world’s biggest and heaviest airplane cost between $500 million and $3 billion (before it’s destruction in 2022).
However, the most expensive plane is not necessarily the biggest plane in the world, but the features and the embedded technology is what decides the price tag. However, there are still other types of planes like the B-2 and F-22, which cost between $2 billion and $350 million respectively. This is because of the inclusion of the latest military grade aviation technology.
Our list will be segmented to passenger and private planes, which dominance usually revolves within the top 2 aviation pioneers: Boeing, and Airbus. Note: the price listed is the current cost of purchase but may change due to factors ranging from inflation and it’s equivalent.
This is currently priced at approximately $445 million. The Airbus A380-800 has a capacity of 525 in a typical three-class model, and 853 in high-density single-class layout. This is recommended for a significantly long haul: high-traffic international routes. It’s more spacious than usual, it’s a double-deck wide-body strategically design with two full passenger decks and huge cabin space.
Because of the strategic nature of its design, it comes with advanced fly-by-wire controls, systems optimized to perfect its long-range service, and four high-bypass turbofan engines. The performance of the Airbus A380-800 can be seen with Singapore and Emirates airlines, who are currently putting it into good use with their long-haul route services.
This is among Boeing’s legendary 747 family. It comes with a four-engine design for an augmented range and redundancy. But unlike the 747, it came with few updated features: avionics, wings, and engines.
The almighty Boeing 747-8 is sold at $418 million, with a passenger capacity of up to 605 in high-density layouts and 467 going by its original design. Because of the creative concept by the designers, it has a VIP conversion base and is used as a large long-haul commercial jet.
The price is highest expected considering its exclusive VIP configurations. Spectators who feel like having a feel of the Boeing 747-8 performance should consider flying Korean Air and Lufthansa. However, this plane has been said to be used for the future Air Force One presidential plane.
This is considered one of the best passenger planes in the world. With a market price of $366 million, the Airbus A350-1000 has a passenger capacity of 480 with dense seating, and 350-410 in three-class.
Like its counterparts, this plane is designed with unique features. It has an ultra-long range, fuel efficiency, and a wider body. The expensive nature can be seen in its twin-engine advanced composite airframe that facilitates strong fuel efficiency and low emissions.
The sleekness of the Airbus A350-1000 is obvious in its comfortable, quiet Airspace cabin with modern entertainment and eco-friendly controls. It travels as far as 16,100 km nonstop, which makes it an ideal plane for long-haul routes.
This $338 million flying luxury also comes in BBJ VIP variant costing between $324 and $380 million depending on interior design. With a passenger capacity of 234 (in a typical 787-8 three-class version, the 787-8 Dreamliner comes with a modern long-range twin-engine airliner.
This is highly economical, considering its advanced engines function that enables fuel-efficient composite fuselage, that facilitates a reduced operating cost. The lower cabin altitude and higher humidity ensure its passenger’s comfort, while the BBJ version offers owners nothing less than luxury.
This can be seen in its well-tossed bedrooms, offices, and lounges. The BBJ editions are common among executive and corporate individuals who mainly assess global routes.
This is a $350 million VIP luxury plane with a tendency for custom conversion. With a passenger capacity of 295, typical standard airline design, this 4-engine long-haul passenger jet offers users long distance travels less fuel consumption. The cabin height is 2.41 m, with a wingspan of 60.30 m (slight below the standard wingspan of a commercial plane).
Like the Boeing 787, it comes with a spacious body with an extremely comfortable cabin design. This plane has an impressive history of performing ultra-long routes and has been used by many companies for either VIP or cargo service.
The Airbus A340-300 is powered by four CFM56-5C engines (one of the best there is), which enables it to do a 13,000 km long-distance range. This fits significantly on its 63.6 to 63.7 meters fuselage length body, measuring 5.64 meters in diameter.
This is not sold at the open market but valued at $660 million. Also known as the flying White House office, the Boeing VC-25A is built with a passenger capacity of about 70-100 passengers (including crew members).
This is strictly VIP design and comes with the best advanced communication and defense gadgets – including encrypted communications, medical facilities, and defensive countermeasures. Others include executive suites and defensive countermeasures, and conference rooms.
This was inspired by Boeing 747-200B but hugely modified to meet up with global traveling standards.
Priced at $400 million, this 25-person flying workspace comes with corporate custom layouts and an extended VIP private cabin measuring 11,500 nm. It can be customized to contain bedrooms, offices, and lounges. This is the VIP model of Boeing 777-8, and one out of the many Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) collections. It is also a long-range airliner.
The engine is powered by GE9X, which produces 29% low emissions and offers a more efficient fuel capacity compared to the older model, the BBJ 777-200LR.
Prominent figures like Roman Abramovich, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and the Hong Kong Real Estate billionaire Joseph Lau are known to be using the Boeing BBJ 777-8.
This is another corporate flying luxury that made it on the list. Unlike the Boeing brand, Airbus also has its own test for luxury planes, which is shown in their VIP Airbus ACJ330neo. Fondly called “The Harmony,” it is priced at $296 million. This 25-passenger capacity VIP plane comes with a significantly spacious interior (which is very visible in its cabin) and is very fitting for long-range corporate trips.
Airbus ACJ330neo comes with an extended travel range of 10,400 nm / 19,260 km, with modern communication, connectivity, and control systems.
Airbus ACJ330neo (VIP) is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 e, which allows it to do up to 21 hours consistently without interruption. On a practical note, it means it can fly directly from London to Sydney, nonstop.
This is another luxury plane from Boeing. Sold at $200 million, the Boeing 747-430 comes in both VIP and commercial values. Nicknamed Queen of the Skies, it is designed to contain between 400-660 passengers, it can also perform both the job of a commercial flight and VIP. The cabin is designed to contain 16 crew members, and newer conversions can contain dining rooms, a lounge, and staterooms.
This is a four-engine plane, with a capacity for long-range travel. Some of the exotic features include sleeping quarters and a VIP lounge. The Boeing 747-430 VIP model is not your regular VIP luxury plane; the interior drips with luxury and comes with modern entertainment systems, four galley kitchens, and in-flight Wi-Fi.
The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, is among the very few owners of this “flying queen.”
The former Chelsea FC owner, Roman Abramovich, once flew on this. Known as “The Bandit,” the Boeing 767-33A/ER is currently worth $170 million. This is a long-distance haul luxurious plane; a 5,980 nautical mile range, at a 286-knot cruise speed. It can also be convertible to a VIP, charter luxury, private carrier.
The Boeing 767-33A/ER is powered by two powerful jet engines, with 7 abreast configurations. It’s spacious enough to accommodate between 19 and 64 passengers in its luxury section, and 102 in its first-class section. It also comes with conference areas, bedrooms, and has an Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards. (ETOPS) certification for over-ocean flights.
Although no new airplane, neither civilian nor military, is set to launch in 2026, it’s important to note that there are many more expensive airplanes with ultramodern aviation technology still under development.
Some of these future planes in development include the Boom Overture, the Boeing 777X with a super wide body, as well as Airbus hydrogen-powered, zero-emission concepts that’s is set to launch in 2035.
Lastly, the top 10 most expensive planes in the world may seem like a symbol of riches and luxury, or even bigger than the Antonov An-225 Mriya, but the true luxury lies in the convenience and safety that come with them.