Private jets can be an excellent option for anyone looking to travel luxuriously and comfortably, and it is a really popular means of transportation among celebrities. Elton John is one of the buffs of this mode of transport. He is among the most popular and successful musicians. His discography spans over forty years, and he has sold over 150 million records. He has won a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Golden Globe and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And, of course, he is an owner of a private jet.
Good Times With the Starship Private Plane
Elton John rented his Boeing 720 airliner, also called the Starship, for his 134 US shows between August 1973 and 1976. Due to the star’s immense popularity, he used various cities in North America as bases to travel to his various performances.
Chartering a private jet reduced the need to check into and out of multiple hotels each day. Typically, by the time the house lights came back on following a concert, Elton and his entourage had already been escorted by police to a particular terminal at the local airport and were en route to the nearest anchor city, where they could unwind.
Elton John rented the Starship for his 1973 tour for the first time, which kicked up in Mobile, Alabama, on August 15. Elton’s name had been decorated on the fuselage, and the plane’s exterior had been repainted in the interim.
The four-engine aircraft traveled around throughout the three-month trip at the cost of $2,500 per day, or $5 per mile, from base towns like Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, and Chicago. The interior, nearly half a football field long, was lavishly furnished. The Starship had three public spaces: the Club Room, the Grand Salon, and the Gallery. Moreover, there was a bar aboard Elton John’s Boeing with a piano built into the counter. Some famous guests, including Cher and Stevie Wonder, also accompanied Sir Elton onboard.
Photo credit: eltonjohn.com
New Elton John’s Private Plane
With time, Sir Elton John’s old private jet was replaced by a more modern and efficient – Bombardier Global Express. Thanks to his private plane, the famous singer can fly in style and comfort to different locations to give concerts worldwide. Elton John’s private jet Bombardier Global Express has registration M-EDZE in honor of his family members’ initials. The age of this spacious business jet is around 21 years. In addition, the ‘E’ at the front makes it easy to identify as Elton John’s.
Soon to leave SYD after spending the last 3mths in Australia, is Global Express M-EDZE. The Registration of this aircraft also has meaning, with the last 4 letters standing for Elton, partner David, and two sons Zachary and Elijah. Elton has been based in Sydney during this tour pic.twitter.com/kkr6nlf6BF
— 16Right Media (@16right_media) March 3, 2020
More facts about the exquisite Elton John private jet:
- The $90million Bombardier BD-700 Global Express, owned by Sir Elton John, is a twin-engined jet that is a favorite among multi-millionaires;
- There’s enough for up to three crew members and up to 19 passengers;
- The beds and sofas are covered in soft leather, and there are flat-screen TVs and hi-fi stereo systems throughout the spacious, modern decor;
- The cabin features two bathrooms, a shower, 27 windows, and a “100% fresh air system.”;
- It does not require refueling more than once during a flight, thanks to its top speed of 590 mph and range of 7,200 miles. London to New York is one of the direct routes available.
Elton John Plane Incident
Earlier this year, Sir Elton John experienced challenges when his private aircraft was forced to land urgently during a storm. According to reports, his jet faced technical difficulties, and it took three tries to land it successfully.
Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the event, and Sir Elton could board a later flight to perform as scheduled in New York. Later, he tweeted, “Hello New York! See you @TheGarden tonight #eltonfarewelltour” to let everyone know he had arrived safely.
Hello New York! See you @TheGarden tonight 🚀🚀🚀#eltonfarewelltour pic.twitter.com/niSQqM79Ra
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) February 22, 2022
Moreover, Elton John will make more private jet tours in 2023 around the UK and Europe despite this plane incident.
In any case, each mode of transportation may have its nuances, but private planes are beyond competition for their advantages. So if you want to feel like a celebrity, book a private jet and travel in luxury and comfort whenever and wherever you want.
Main page photo taken from wikimedia.org