Aviation

Mukesh Ambani is buying an aircraft worth Rs 1,000 crore

India’s wealthiest businessman, Mukesh Ambani, has once again made headlines with his latest acquisition—the country’s first Boeing BBJ 737 MAX 9. Valued at an astounding Rs 1,000 crore, this ultra-long-range business jet sets a new standard in luxury and is now the most expensive private aircraft owned by an Indian.

Delivered in August 2024, the addition marks a milestone in Ambani’s impressive fleet, which now totals 10 aircraft. This move highlights his growing emphasis on luxury travel and seamless business mobility, aligning with his stature as a global business magnate.

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The Boeing BBJ 737 MAX 9 boasts two powerful CFMI LEAP-1B engines, allowing it to cover an impressive distance of 11,770 kilometers—perfect for Ambani’s extensive international business engagements. Before making its way to India, the aircraft underwent extensive modifications and testing at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg in Switzerland.

Although the interiors remain undisclosed, it is anticipated that the cabin’s design will be in line with Ambani’s signature luxury standards, creating a world-class experience in the skies. To ensure peak performance, the jet completed six test flights across prominent airports in Basel, Geneva, and London Luton before taking its final journey to India.

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On August 27, 2024, the Boeing BBJ 737 MAX 9 flew from Basel to Delhi, covering 6,234 kilometers over a nine-hour flight. It is currently stationed at Delhi Airport’s maintenance apron near the cargo terminal and is expected to reach its new home in Mumbai shortly.

This acquisition adds to an already impressive collection of private jets under the Reliance Industries banner, including an Airbus A319 ACJ and a Bombardier Global 6000. Alongside these, Ambani’s fleet features two helicopters—a Dauphin Helicopter and a Sikorsky S76—used for quick commutes between business locations, emphasizing the billionaire’s focus on efficiency and flexibility in business travel.

With this Rs 1,000 crore investment, Mukesh Ambani continues to elevate his status not just as a business tycoon but also as a pioneer in luxury travel solutions.

Aviation

Did you know ? Once Boeing 747 carried 1088 passenger in 1991

In 1991, during Operation Solomon, Israel aimed to airlift 14,000 people from Ethiopia within 36 hours. The effort was intense, with a strong focus on evacuating as many individuals as possible from the country.

At the forefront of this operation was the Boeing 747, known as the “Queen of the Skies,” which transported nearly 1,088 passengers.

Due to the urgent circumstances, all passengers were seated on the aircraft floor, despite the Boeing’s typical maximum capacity being around 660 passengers as per manufacturer specifications.

The aircraft was granted special approval to take off under these exceptional conditions.

Amid political tensions and military reforms in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian government requested the Jewish community to leave the country, providing them with a limited window for evacuation. In response, the community organized an airlift to facilitate their safe departure.

A fleet of 35 Israeli aircraft, including C-130s from the Israeli Air Force and El Al Boeing 747s, was deployed for the mission. These aircraft flew non-stop, successfully transporting most of the Ethiopian Jewish community to Israel in one of the largest airlift operations in history.