Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and one of the richest people in the world, has once again made headlines for his extravagant purchases. He has recently added a luxurious private jet, valued at $80 million, to his already impressive collection of high-end assets, which includes superyachts and private island villas.
The Financial Power Behind Bezos’s Purchases
As of August 28, according to Forbes, Bezos has a net worth of $194.2 billion, making him the second richest person globally. Earlier in March 2024, he even reclaimed the top spot with a fortune of $200 billion, surpassing Elon Musk at one point by as much as $142 billion before the gap began to close.
Bezos has consistently reinvested a portion of his earnings since founding Amazon into various ventures. For example, he established the aerospace company Blue Origin in 2000 and acquired The Washington Post in 2013. Recently, he also sold some of his Amazon shares to fund Day 1 Academies, a nonprofit preschool initiative he founded.
The Gulfstream G700: A Jewel in His Collection
Among his personal interests, Bezos has not shied away from spending hundreds of millions on luxury items. His latest acquisition, the Gulfstream G700, produced by Gulfstream Aerospace, is one of the largest and most advanced private jets in the world. The G700 is renowned for its ability to reach a maximum speed of approximately 1,142 km/h, which is close to the speed of sound (about 1,235 km/h at 20 degrees Celsius and standard pressure).
The jet features 20 panoramic windows and an ultra-quiet cabin that boasts 100% fresh, ionized plasma air, replenished every 2-3 minutes. Recently, the G700 was spotted taking off from Ibiza, where Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, were enjoying time on a superyacht near the Mediterranean island.
Environmental Impact and Sustainable Practices
Public flight data reveals that the 60-year-old billionaire’s jet has completed 28 flights in 39 days, emitting 264 tons of carbon—17 times the average annual emissions of an American, according to JetSpy. In response to this, Bezos’s representative explained that he uses sustainable aviation fuel for his travels and invests in carbon offset programs while also funding air pollution reduction initiatives.
A Growing Aviation Portfolio
In addition to the G700, Bezos previously owned two other aircraft: the Gulfstream G650 and the Pilatus PC-24. With the addition of the G700, the total value of his aircraft collection now exceeds $200 million. Furthermore, he has owned a hangar in Seattle since 2015, registered under the same limited liability company that oversees his G650ER jets.
Jeff Bezos’s continued indulgence in luxury items not only underscores his immense wealth but also reflects a lifestyle that intertwines personal passion with business acumen. As he adds to his collection, the world watches with anticipation to see what extravagant purchase he will make next.
