Flying palaces: How the rich are redesigning their private jets

The global number of private jets has more than doubled since 2000, with demand continuing to rise, according to Elle Decor.

The U.S. alone has over 15,000 registered private jets, and 820 new deliveries are expected in 2023, up from 644 in 2020. The rise in "fractional ownership," where customers buy a stake in a jet, has further driven the need for tailored interiors.

Among this elite clientele, aesthetics are as crucial as functionality. Sarah Mespelt Larranaga, a designer specializing in private planes, told New York Post that the design and oversight of a private jet interior can cost between US$150,000 and $200,000, while full refurbishments can range from $2 million to $5 million.

"I have more clients than ever at the moment," Larranaga said.

She recently completed a $4 million year-long overhaul of Paris Hilton's Gulfstream G450, known as "Sliv Air." She is also working on several prominent projects, including designs for a Falcon 7X, a Gulfstream D550, a Gulfstream D650, and a Falcon 2000. For reference, the Gulfstream G500 starts at around $45 million, while the Falcon 7X is priced at $52 million.

American socialite and entrepreneur Paris Hilton with her "Sliv Air" jet. Photo courtesy of Sarah Mespelt Larranaga's Instagram

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, jet owners have been flying longer distances in larger aircraft, with many now viewing their planes as more than just a mode of transportation but as mobile second homes. Kenn Ricci, chairman of Flexjet, a private aviation service, said luxury customers now expect private jets to offer opulent and comfortable spaces that mirror their personal lifestyles.

One example is a project led by Edward Yedid, co-founder of Grade New York. A client requested the design of his new Bombardier 5000 to mirror the black-and-white aesthetics of his home. "He wanted the plane to feel like it was an extension of the house," Yedid explained.

While many owners are willing to go to great lengths for the perfect jet interior, some requests have been particularly extravagant. In 2021, International Jet Interiors designed a $12 million Bombardier Global Express BD-700 for Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. Inspired by Hefner's iconic 1970s-era "Big Bunny" jet, the redesign featured suede, crushed velvet, mohair sofas, leather walls, and a custom pop-up bar, complete with a three-tiered seafood tower.

Other design firms, such as Pinto, a French studio, have worked with high-profile clients like the royal families of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. One Chinese billionaire even requested his jet be designed according to feng shui principles.

Meanwhile, Patrick Knowles, a designer specializing in both jets and superyachts, recalled creating a bespoke jet for a royal client passionate about falconry. The design featured custom seating for four falcon handlers, complete with armrests for added comfort. "As aircraft size, volume and scope have a very wide spread, design fees can range from a low of around $250,000 up to north of a million, plus the cost of materials," Knowles said.

An interior of a private jet. Photo from Instagram

For many, private jets serve as both a luxury getaway and a mobile office. Architect Thomas Hickey, who has worked on various aviation projects, noted that clients often conduct business meetings on their jets. "Something that we don't do in people's houses is build a conference room. But they want to be able to have the ability to work, to conduct business [on planes]," Hickey said.

Despite their vast wealth, some requests remain impractical due to spatial and weight limitations, such as large billiard tables or swimming pools. Moreover, all jet modifications require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which ensures compliance with safety regulations. Even materials like fabric and carpeting must meet FAA fire safety standards.

An interior refresh may take only one to two weeks, but a full redesign can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on the complexity of the project and FAA review. Some larger projects involving structural or avionic modifications can take up to a year to complete.

Despite the significant investments involved, private jets often have a relatively short lifespan, as owners frequently opt to update their interiors or even purchase new aircraft. "Some clients might change their aircraft interior every five years or so," Larranaga said. "Many just sell it to someone else and get a new one."