The US DOJ is seizing Roman Abramovich's Boeing 787, a rare private jet worth $350 million. See inside examples of one of the largest private aircraft in the world.

Taylor RainsJun 28, 2022, 09:32 IST

Kestrel Aviation Management

Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich owned a $350 million Boeing 787 business jet.
The plane is being seized by the US Department of Transportation as part of sanctions against Russia.

The US Department of Transportation has been "authorized to seize" two private jets from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich: a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and a Gulfstream G650ER.

Roman Abramovich no longer owns Chelsea FC.Clive Mason/Getty Images

The US Department of Transportation has been "authorized to seize" two private jets from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich: a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and a Gulfstream G650ER.

Source: US Department of Justice

According to an FBI affidavit, Abramovich "owned and/or controlled the Gulfstream and the Boeing through a series of shell companies."

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York

Source: US Department of Justice

The seizures are part of Western sanctions and other punishments imposed on ultra-wealthy Russians in response to the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Russian oligarch Alexei Mordashov's super-yacht, "Lady M" was seized by Italian authorities on March 5.ANDREA BERNARDI/AFP via Getty Images.

Abramovich's jets have a combined value of $400 million, though the 787 makes up most of that sum at $350 million, according to court records. The Dreamliner is currently in Dubai, while the G650ER is in Russia.

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York

Abramovich's jets have a combined value of $400 million, though the 787 makes up most of that sum at $350 million, according to court records. The Dreamliner is currently in Dubai, while the G650ER is in Russia.

While many private jets and other luxury vessels have been seized in recent months, Abramovich's Dreamliner is of particular interest due to its size and rarity.

Roman AbramovichLaurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Boeing has converted a series of airliners into business aircraft, like Tony Robbin's BBJ 737. However, the wide-body 787 version is not common, as the jet was primarily designed for long-haul commercial flights. Only a handful of private examples exist.

Tony Robbins' BBJ.Silver Air

Boeing has converted a series of airliners into business aircraft, like Tony Robbin's BBJ 737. However, the wide-body 787 version is not common, as the jet was primarily designed for long-haul commercial flights. Only a handful of private examples exist.

Abramovich's was bought from PrivatAir after the carrier filed bankruptcy in 2018. It is the world's most expensive private jet.

A PrivatAir BBJ 737.Vytautas Kielaitis/Shutterstock

Source: Luxury Launches

There are a few other Dreamliner business planes in existence, including purpose-built ones like HNA Group's "Dream Jet…"

GENNA MARTIN/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

…and converted airliners, like Mexico's presidential 787.

Marco Ugarte/Associated Press

The Dream Jet was recently sold and is no longer available for charters, Kestrel Aviation Management CEO Stephen Vella told Insider. Kestrel created the 787's interior in partnership with Pierrejean Design Studio of Paris.

GENNA MARTIN/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

The Dream Jet was recently sold and is no longer available for charters, Kestrel Aviation Management CEO Stephen Vella told Insider. Kestrel created the 787's interior in partnership with Pierrejean Design Studio of Paris.

There are few photos of the Russian billionaire's Dreamliner, but images of the other two jets can paint a picture of the luxuries that may lie inside — take a look.

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

There are few photos of the Russian billionaire's Dreamliner, but images of the other two jets can paint a picture of the luxuries that may lie inside — take a look.

The 2,400-square-foot Dream Jet was formerly operated by China's Deer Jet, which is a subsidiary of the HNA Group. The plane can travel over 17 hours and connect virtually any two cities on the globe.

Kestrel Aviation Management

The 2,400-square-foot Dream Jet was formerly operated by China's Deer Jet, which is a subsidiary of the HNA Group. The plane can travel over 17 hours and connect virtually any two cities on the globe.

Before it was sold, the aircraft could be chartered out for $74,000 per hour and was rented by the rich and famous, like Cambodian president Hun Sen.

Kestrel Aviation Management

Source: CNN

Vella explained to Insider that the company was the very first to ever built an interior for the BBJ 787, but it was a complex job due to the plane's design and materials.

Kestrel Aviation Management CEO Stephen Vella.Kestrel Aviation Management

Vella explained to Insider that the company was the very first to ever built an interior for the BBJ 787, but it was a complex job due to the plane's design and materials.

"The reason we were the first was people were a little twitchy about taking the risk of doing a proper VIP interior," he explained.

Kestrel Aviation Management

However, Vella and his team had experience with the 787 and were familiar with the plane, so they were able to mitigate the risks and tackle the challenges.

Kestrel Aviation Management

Considered a "seven-star" hotel experience in the sky, Kestrel's plane features several living and working spaces, like a rotunda, galley, and crew rest areas at the front…

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

Considered a "seven-star" hotel experience in the sky, Kestrel's plane features several living and working spaces, like a rotunda, galley, and crew rest areas at the front…

…a VIP bathroom…

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

…18 lay-flat seats for guests and other officials and six reclining seats for security teams and nannies…

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

…a dining room that can seat up to 12 people at two tables…

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

…a living room with a TV and day bed, which can separate into two separate couches…

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

…a private bedroom…

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

...a master dressing room...

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

…and an ensuite bathroom that connects to the bedroom via sliding doors.

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

The bathroom features vanities, sinks, and a standing shower.

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

Meanwhile, the bedroom features a TV and closet space.

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

The living room has several seating areas, including loungers and couches. This space is meant for meetings, hanging out, talking, or playing games.

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

Also in the giant lounge is a hidden jumpseat, which is required per FAA regulations. Vella said there is a door that hides the seat after takeoff.

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

Vella said the floors are either wood or carpet and that the different shades of browns and grays were meant to separate the space.

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

For example, he used dark brown seats in the aft room and light brown in the main lounge in the center of the jet.

Inside Kestrel's BBJ 787.Kestrel Aviation Management

Another Dreamliner private jet is Mexico's presidential 787. However, Vella explained that the plane is not a purpose-built BBJ, but rather a 787 airliner converted into a business aircraft.

Associated Press

See inside the $218 million Boeing 787 jet that Mexico's president refuses to use and is now renting out for parties instead

Another Dreamliner private jet is Mexico's presidential 787. However, Vella explained that the plane is not a purpose-built BBJ, but rather a 787 airliner converted into a business aircraft.

See inside the $218 million Boeing 787 jet that Mexico's president refuses to use and is now renting out for parties instead

Nevertheless, the interior has been converted into several living spaces, including a bedroom…

Inside Mexico's presidential plane.Marco Ugarte/Associated Press

…and lounge areas.

Inside Mexico's presidential plane.Marco Ugarte/Associated Press

However, the plane is no longer being used as a presidential jet because the country's current leader, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, prides himself on his austerity and tries to fly commercial when he can.

President López Obrador on a commercial flight.Marco Ugarte/Associated Press

However, the plane is no longer being used as a presidential jet because the country's current leader, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, prides himself on his austerity and tries to fly commercial when he can.

Previously, the president said he sees the plane, which was bought for $218 million, as an "insult to the people" and "an example of the excesses" of the nation's former leaders, the New York Times reported.

Marco Ugarte/Associated Press

Source: The New York Times

Previously, the president said he sees the plane, which was bought for $218 million, as an "insult to the people" and "an example of the excesses" of the nation's former leaders, the New York Times reported.

Because of this, Obrador tried to sell the plane in 2018 but had no offers. To convert the plane into an airline would be extremely costly, putting off buyers. He even tried to raffle it off, unsuccessfully.

Marco Ugarte/Associated Press

Source: The New York Times, France24

Because of this, Obrador tried to sell the plane in 2018 but had no offers. To convert the plane into an airline would be extremely costly, putting off buyers. He even tried to raffle it off, unsuccessfully.

Source: The New York Times, France24

To cover the upkeep costs, the government plans to rent out the now-$130 million aircraft for private events.

Marco Ugarte/Associated Press

"It will be open to the public if anyone wants it, because they're getting married ... and they want to bring their friends and family ... or coming of age parties, birthdays," López Obrador said, AP reported.

Marco Ugarte/Associated Press

Source: Associated Press

"It will be open to the public if anyone wants it, because they're getting married ... and they want to bring their friends and family ... or coming of age parties, birthdays," López Obrador said, AP reported.

Source: Associated Press

See inside these propeller planes used to fly to business meetings, holidays in the Alps, or for training pilots

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The US DOJ is seizing Roman Abramovich's Boeing 787, a rare private jet worth $350 million. See inside examples of one of the largest private aircraft in the world.

The US Department of Transportation has been "authorized to seize" two private jets from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich: a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and a Gulfstream G650ER.

According to an FBI affidavit, Abramovich "owned and/or controlled the Gulfstream and the Boeing through a series of shell companies."

The seizures are part of Western sanctions and other punishments imposed on ultra-wealthy Russians in response to the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich's jets have a combined value of $400 million, though the 787 makes up most of that sum at $350 million, according to court records. The Dreamliner is currently in Dubai, while the G650ER is in Russia.

While many private jets and other luxury vessels have been seized in recent months, Abramovich's Dreamliner is of particular interest due to its size and rarity.

Boeing has converted a series of airliners into business aircraft, like Tony Robbin's BBJ 737. However, the wide-body 787 version is not common, as the jet was primarily designed for long-haul commercial flights. Only a handful of private examples exist.

Abramovich's was bought from PrivatAir after the carrier filed bankruptcy in 2018. It is the world's most expensive private jet.

There are a few other Dreamliner business planes in existence, including purpose-built ones like HNA Group's "Dream Jet…"

…and converted airliners, like Mexico's presidential 787.

The Dream Jet was recently sold and is no longer available for charters, Kestrel Aviation Management CEO Stephen Vella told Insider. Kestrel created the 787's interior in partnership with Pierrejean Design Studio of Paris.

There are few photos of the Russian billionaire's Dreamliner, but images of the other two jets can paint a picture of the luxuries that may lie inside — take a look.

The 2,400-square-foot Dream Jet was formerly operated by China's Deer Jet, which is a subsidiary of the HNA Group. The plane can travel over 17 hours and connect virtually any two cities on the globe.

Before it was sold, the aircraft could be chartered out for $74,000 per hour and was rented by the rich and famous, like Cambodian president Hun Sen.

Vella explained to Insider that the company was the very first to ever built an interior for the BBJ 787, but it was a complex job due to the plane's design and materials.

"The reason we were the first was people were a little twitchy about taking the risk of doing a proper VIP interior," he explained.

However, Vella and his team had experience with the 787 and were familiar with the plane, so they were able to mitigate the risks and tackle the challenges.

Considered a "seven-star" hotel experience in the sky, Kestrel's plane features several living and working spaces, like a rotunda, galley, and crew rest areas at the front…

…a VIP bathroom…

…18 lay-flat seats for guests and other officials and six reclining seats for security teams and nannies…

…a dining room that can seat up to 12 people at two tables…

…a living room with a TV and day bed, which can separate into two separate couches…

…a private bedroom…

...a master dressing room...

…and an ensuite bathroom that connects to the bedroom via sliding doors.

The bathroom features vanities, sinks, and a standing shower.

Meanwhile, the bedroom features a TV and closet space.

The living room has several seating areas, including loungers and couches. This space is meant for meetings, hanging out, talking, or playing games.

Also in the giant lounge is a hidden jumpseat, which is required per FAA regulations. Vella said there is a door that hides the seat after takeoff.

Vella said the floors are either wood or carpet and that the different shades of browns and grays were meant to separate the space.

For example, he used dark brown seats in the aft room and light brown in the main lounge in the center of the jet.

Another Dreamliner private jet is Mexico's presidential 787. However, Vella explained that the plane is not a purpose-built BBJ, but rather a 787 airliner converted into a business aircraft.

Nevertheless, the interior has been converted into several living spaces, including a bedroom…

…and lounge areas.

However, the plane is no longer being used as a presidential jet because the country's current leader, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, prides himself on his austerity and tries to fly commercial when he can.

Previously, the president said he sees the plane, which was bought for $218 million, as an "insult to the people" and "an example of the excesses" of the nation's former leaders, the New York Times reported.

Because of this, Obrador tried to sell the plane in 2018 but had no offers. To convert the plane into an airline would be extremely costly, putting off buyers. He even tried to raffle it off, unsuccessfully.

To cover the upkeep costs, the government plans to rent out the now-$130 million aircraft for private events.

"It will be open to the public if anyone wants it, because they're getting married ... and they want to bring their friends and family ... or coming of age parties, birthdays," López Obrador said, AP reported.