He Bought a Jet, Never Took Off—Discover Hangar Queens
What kind of person buys a $60 million private jet—only to let it sit, untouched, in a hangar for years? It might sound unusual, but in the world of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, it’s more common than you’d expect. From entrepreneurs and royals to discreet family offices, some spend millions on fully customized jets—gold finishes, private suites, even signature scents—without ever taking off.
Why? The reasons aren’t always obvious. For some, it’s about control. For others, it’s privacy, image, or simply the comfort of having options. As brokers, we see it firsthand: ownership isn’t always about usage. It’s about access, influence, and sometimes, just peace of mind. In this article, we explore the curious world of jets that rarely—or never—fly, and what that says about the people who own them.
Why Some Billionaires Buy Jets They Never Fly
For some ultra-high-net-worth individuals, owning a private jet is less about travel and more about projection. The aircraft becomes a symbol—a physical manifestation of power, control, or prestige. The idea of needing to actually use the plane becomes secondary. In fact, many owners treat their jets like high-end real estate or art: something to own, preserve, and show off, but not necessarily engage with.
Psychologists who specialize in luxury consumption point to a pattern common among billionaires and royalty: the desire to display ownership, rather than utility. A private jet, like a superyacht or vintage car collection, signals that one has reached a level of wealth where practicality is no longer a factor.
But status isn’t the only reason jets go unused. Some owners are genuinely afraid of flying—a condition known as aviophobia, which affects an estimated 2.5% of Americans according to the Cleveland Clinic. This fear isn’t limited to the general public; some high-profile individuals have it too. Others may be deeply paranoid or security-conscious, choosing to keep their aircraft grounded unless absolutely necessary. Control is another motivator: many jet owners dislike being dependent on pilots, mechanics, or even air traffic systems, leading them to distrust the idea of taking flight altogether.
Perhaps the most well-known example of a wealthy individual avoiding air travel is Howard Hughes. A pioneering aviator and industrialist, Hughes once owned a fleet of aircraft, including a Lockheed JetStar. However, later in life, he became increasingly private and withdrew from public view. Despite his deep connection to aviation, he eventually stopped flying altogether—his jets staying grounded, much like his famously reclusive lifestyle.
The Hidden Cost of an Idle Jet
On the surface, a jet sitting idle in a hangar might seem harmless—after all, it’s a luxury asset, right? But the reality is far more complex. Even when it never leaves the ground, the costs of keeping a private jet are staggering.
Whether it flies or not, a jet still requires constant upkeep. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates regular inspections, meaning engines must run, avionics systems checked, and corrosion managed—no exceptions. For a large business jet like a Gulfstream G650, maintenance costs can top $500,000 annually, even if the plane remains in the hangar year after year.
Then, there’s the crew. A jet on standby still needs a full-time staff, typically consisting of two pilots and a flight attendant. Add in insurance costs—which can be a luxury, depending on the aircraft’s value—and it quickly becomes clear that ownership doesn’t stop at the price tag of the plane itself.
And don’t forget depreciation. Jets lose 5-15% of their value every year, regardless of whether they’re flown or not.
Altogether, if a private jet stays grounded, the annual cost to its owner can easily surpass $1.2 million. It’s the ultimate sunk cost—a luxury that serves as a constant reminder of excess, even when it never takes off.
The Quiet Industry of Hangar Queens
Within the aviation industry, jets like these have a nickname: “hangar queens.” These aircraft may be in perfect working order, but they see little to no action. The term comes from military aviation and is now used by private jet crews and mechanics. It describes planes that are airworthy but rarely leave their hangars.
Interestingly, there’s an entire industry dedicated to these underused jets. Companies offer specialized services to maintain aircraft that sit idle. This includes environmental conditioning, battery maintenance, and engine preservation. These services keep the jet “ready to fly”—even if the owner never boards it.
Ironically, unused jets can be in better shape than those that fly often. Without regular wear and tear, the interiors stay pristine. The systems remain in top condition. Some owners even request full refits or upgrades with no plans to use the plane. For them, the jet is less about transport and more about status. It’s a trophy—a bold symbol of wealth and power. This “hangar queen” phenomenon highlights just how unusual and fascinating the world of luxury aviation can be.
Real Examples: When Jets Become Ghosts
This is not just theory. There are well-documented cases of jets that have spent years in storage, collecting dust and draining bank accounts.
Take Donald Trump’s Boeing 757. Nicknamed “Trump Force One,” it sat idle at Stewart International Airport in New York for several years before it was finally refitted in 2021. During its dormant period, one of the engines was removed and the plane was unfit to fly. Yet the jet remained a central part of his personal brand, appearing in promotional videos and campaign imagery.
Another example is Roman Abramovich’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner, valued at over $300 million. While it’s capable of long-haul luxury travel, it has remained grounded for years due to sanctions. Like several other jets owned by ultra-wealthy individuals, it has become a high-profile asset—fully equipped, but effectively unusable.
And then there’s the Sultan of Brunei, who reportedly owns a Boeing 747-400 outfitted with gold accents and lavish private suites. Though rarely seen in the air, the jet is maintained in immaculate condition and stands as a symbol of his wealth and sovereignty.
What Does It All Mean?
At its core, the act of buying a private jet and never flying it speaks volumes about the psychology of extreme wealth. When money ceases to be a limiting factor, ownership becomes less about need and more about signaling power. The idle jet becomes an avatar of excess—a $60 million statement that the owner has more than enough to buy something magnificent, and even more to let it rot in style.
For the aviation industry, these “ghost jets” represent a niche but profitable market. Maintenance firms, hangar operators, and insurance providers all benefit from these grounded luxuries. Yet to the outsider, they remain a curiosity—monuments to a kind of wealth so extreme, it disconnects from utility altogether.
The world of unused private jets is full of contradictions. Opulence without purpose. Engineering without flight. These “hangar queens” stay pristine, but they’re more status symbols than travel tools. Still, they reveal how the ultra-wealthy manage, display, and sometimes waste their resources.
At Onyx Air, we believe private aviation should be about experience—not just ownership. Our clients enjoy instant access to top-tier aircraft, personalized service, and the freedom to fly when and where they choose. No crew, no upkeep, no depreciation.
Want to experience a smarter way to fly private? Reach out today. Onyx Air makes it effortless, elegant, and always airborne.
