Dubai: Luxury got a new dimension and a new name - A380 'Flying Palace' - as Saudi billionaire Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal on Monday signed a deal to buy the world's first end-to-end double-decker corporate jet, a deal valued at $319 million at list prices.
When delivered in 2010 with the latest amenities to ensure maximum comfort and luxury - Al Waleed will probably rewrite the best-known fairy tales that could depict the latest version of luxury - perhaps the best that money can buy.
Al Waleed, billed as the world's fifth richest Arab, on Monday stopped by Dubai International Airport for half an hour to sign the deal with Airbus chief executive Tom Enders, flanked by a battery of crew - all dressed in golden coloured outfits.
Al Waleed descended from his Boeing 747 corporate jet just before 1pm on Monday, flanked by his entourage and crew members.
"This is the first corporate jet for the Airbus A380 to be sold and we are all proud of the first of its kind deal," John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, told Gulf News minutes after the signing ceremony.
"The value of the deal is about $319 million including the engines, however, excluding the interiors, which have not been decided yet."
Al Waleed toured the aircraft and came out smiling, accompanied by the officials of his Kingdom Holdings, before boarding his Boeing 747 corporate jet around 1:30pm.
The A380 will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines. It will undergo a cabin outfitting at a yet to be chosen completion centre.
"Prince Al Waleed's order means that Airbus' sales success in the corporate jet market now extends from its smallest aircraft, the A318 Elite - all the way up to its largest, the A380 Flying Palace," Leahy said.
He expects to sell about 20 A380 Flying Palaces in the coming years, including a sizeable number from the Gulf.
Your comments
If we don't buy these expensive planes then what is the use of making them in the first place? The Saudi prince has worked so hard to make his dreams come true.
Abdul
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 13, 2007, 12:45
Money can buy anything.
Raj
Fujairah,UAE
Posted: November 13, 2007, 12:15
He has his money and he buys what makes him happy. I like that. I don't have that kind of money but I do what makes me feel happy.
Jue
Kingston,Jamaica
Posted: November 13, 2007, 11:50
This is ridiculous! No man needs to have his own A380 or a 747 for that matter. Think about the damage to the environment! $319 million is enough money to save thousands of hungry children!
Jason
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 13, 2007, 11:31
Congratulations! He deserves it. This prince is always backing up people from Arab countries, especially Lebanon, through his foundation.
Fouad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 13, 2007, 10:41
Such a shame! There are millions of poor people who need help and he should think about them.
Saad
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: November 13, 2007, 10:16
Sometimes I wonder whether or not these people know what to do with their money. But I also have to admit, it's a nice story...
Susan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 13, 2007, 10:08
These people can buy such a costly plane for personal use, but I would be happy if they can also spare some cash to help poor people find work.
Mohammed
Hyderabad,India
Posted: November 13, 2007, 09:22
It is a rich man's world, so I am not surprised. If I had the money, I would buy my own exclusive airport.
Salman
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 13, 2007, 09:06
It is fun to read that some people get to fulfil their dreams. All I can say is, wow, the Saudi prince is The Man! I don't know when Bill Gates is going to make a move like this.
Venu
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 13, 2007, 08:35
