One of the most recognizable private jets in celebrity aviation has changed hands. Sean “Diddy” Combs sold his custom matte black Gulfstream G550 in October 2025, closing a chapter on an aircraft that became synonymous with hip-hop luxury. The sale came following his federal conviction, marking a swift transition for a jet that spent years in the public eye.
The aircraft, formerly registered as N1969C under Combs’ entity LoveAir LLC, now carries the tail number T7-OKS. That registration tells its own story. The new identifier places the jet under San Marino’s registry, a common destination for high-value aircraft seeking international registration advantages.
The Aircraft Behind the Headlines
This wasn’t just any G550. The custom matte black paint scheme made it instantly identifiable on any ramp. Most owners stick with traditional white or metallic finishes. Matte paint costs significantly more to apply and maintain. It requires specialized techniques and careful handling. But it delivers unmistakable presence.
The 14-passenger configuration suggests a layout focused on spaciousness rather than maximum capacity. Standard G550 cabins can accommodate up to 19 passengers in high-density configurations. A 14-passenger setup typically means larger seating areas, more lounge space, and enhanced amenities. For someone in Combs’ position, the cabin likely featured custom design work tailored to specific preferences.
Gulfstream G550s from the 2015 model year currently trade between $15 million and $30 million, depending on maintenance status, interior condition, and avionics packages. The final sale price for this particular aircraft remains undisclosed. Custom paint and interior work can add value, but they also narrow the buyer pool. Not everyone wants someone else’s signature style.
A Jet in the Spotlight
The aircraft drew public attention in March 2024 when flight tracking enthusiasts monitored its movement from California to Antigua as federal authorities conducted raids on Combs’ Miami and Los Angeles residences. That kind of public scrutiny is rare in private aviation, where discretion typically matters more than recognition.
Following Combs’ conviction and sentencing in 2025, the jet sale followed within months. That timeline matches typical patterns when high-net-worth individuals face extended incarceration. Maintaining an aircraft this size costs millions annually. Without the ability to use it, liquidation makes financial sense.
The Charter Connection Ends
Silver Air Private Jets previously managed charter operations for the aircraft. Their relationship with Combs ended with the ownership change. This detail matters more than it might seem. Many celebrity-owned jets offset operating costs through charter when the owner isn’t using them. A G550 can generate substantial charter revenue on popular routes.
The charter management relationship likely provided Combs with income while keeping the aircraft active. For management companies like Silver Air, high-profile aircraft can attract customers drawn to the celebrity connection. With the ownership change, that marketing angle disappears.
Understanding San Marino Registration
The shift to San Marino registration signals the aircraft’s movement into international commerce. San Marino maintains a respected aircraft registry that offers certain operational and financial advantages. The tiny European nation has built a specialized niche in business aviation registration.
For the new owner, whoever they are, a San Marino registration provides flexibility for international operations. It sidesteps some of the constraints associated with U.S. registration, particularly around taxation and operating authority in various countries. This suggests the buyer operates globally or plans to use the aircraft for international charter.
What Happens to Celebrity Aircraft
The sale illustrates how quickly luxury aviation assets can transition following major life changes. Aircraft are expensive to maintain but relatively liquid compared to real estate. A motivated seller can move a quality G550 within months, even with a unique paint scheme.
For buyers, celebrity provenance cuts both ways. Some see it as a negative, preferring anonymity. Others embrace it, particularly if they plan to charter the aircraft. A jet with a story can command premium charter rates from customers who want that specific experience.
The matte black paint presents an interesting question for the new owner. Do they keep it, preserving the aircraft’s recognition factor? Or do they strip and repaint, erasing the previous identity? That decision likely depends on whether the new owner values visibility or discretion. In private aviation, both approaches have their place.
The Industry Angle
Aircraft brokers and sales professionals watch these transitions closely. They provide data points on how quickly high-profile assets move and at what valuations. The swift transaction following Combs’ sentencing suggests either a buyer already in discussion or a motivated sale that moved faster than typical aircraft transactions.
For Gulfstream, the aircraft’s history doesn’t affect the brand. The manufacturer’s reputation rests on performance and reliability, not who owned their aircraft. The G550 remains one of the most capable ultra-long-range jets ever built, with proven reliability across thousands of examples in operation worldwide.
The San Marino registration also reflects broader trends in private aviation. More owners and operators choose international registries for their operational flexibility. As global travel becomes more complex, registration in smaller nations with specialized aviation expertise offers advantages that U.S. registration cannot match.
Looking Forward
The aircraft’s next chapter remains unwritten. Under new ownership and a new registration, it could continue in charter operations. It might serve a corporate flight department. Or it could become another anonymous business jet, its famous past gradually forgotten as new flights accumulate.
What’s certain is that the Gulfstream G550 itself remains as capable as ever. Range, speed, and cabin comfort don’t change with ownership. The technology that made it a flagship when Combs owned it still delivers today. For someone who needs to cross oceans or continents in unmatched comfort, this aircraft still answers that need.
The story of N1969C, now T7-OKS, shows how private aviation adapts to changing circumstances. Aircraft outlive their owners’ situations. They move between registries, operators, and purposes. This particular jet captured attention for reasons its manufacturer never intended. But its next owner gets a proven airframe with a distinctive appearance, ready for whatever mission comes next.