Airbus and Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud made quite the splash at the 2007 Dubai Air show, announcing that the Prince would purchase an A380 for his personal use. He was the first to purchase the type as a private jet. The Prince was to take delivery of the $300mm+ plane eventually and theoretically use it for his regular travels. Turns out that won’t actually be happening. While the assembly of the plane is complete according to Airbus officials the interiors were never fitted. And, with his latest move, it is clear that Prince Alwaleed will not be taking delivery at all.
The Prince has sold the airplane to an undisclosed buyer for an undisclosed sum. The proceeds will be used to "expand his investments in Saudi Arabia and the greater Middle East." Apparently the $29bn net worth wasn’t quite liquid enough to make his desired moves.
Oh, and the plane will still need the interior fitted before it flies.
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Nice one. I am not surprised, since he is good at self-promotion, but not as splashy as the Donald.
I bought it, for $1000.
When he learned he wouldn’t be afforded reciprocal lounge access at QCA, he decided it wasn’t worth the investment.
Wonder how much it costs to operate one of those things?
Wow, it’s awesome what you can buy with your spare change!