The image of a billionaire stepping out of a sleek, private jet onto a red carpet runway has become a familiar symbol of wealth and power. But who owns 10 private jets—not just one? In a world where the skies are the new frontier of luxury, a select few have taken private aviation to a level few can imagine: building and maintaining personal fleets of aircraft.
Owning a single private jet is already an extraordinary feat—an emblem of speed, privacy, and status. But owning ten or more is a statement of global mobility, business empire logistics, and unrestrained indulgence. The logistics, costs, and intent behind such collections reveal not only the scale of these individuals’ wealth, but the influence they wield on the global stage.
This article dives into the lives and motivations of three individuals who have crossed this threshold: Kanika Tekriwal, a trailblazing Indian entrepreneur revolutionizing jet access; Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a Saudi royal known for opulence on wings; and Joseph Lau, a discreet Hong Kong tycoon with one of the most luxurious fleets in Asia. Together, they represent three different continents—and three very different philosophies of flying at the top.
What It Means to Own 10 Private Jets
1. A Different League of Luxury
Owning a single private jet is already a remarkable display of wealth and independence. But owning ten? That places someone in a league of their own—where air travel is not just a convenience but a fully integrated part of a global lifestyle and business strategy.
2. The Costs Behind the Fleet
The price tag starts with acquisition.A private jet can cost anywhere between $5 million for a light business jet to $500 million or more for a fully customized wide-body aircraft—depending on the type of private jet selected, like a Boeing 747-8 or Airbus A380. Yet the real expense lies in ongoing operations. Each jet demands a support ecosystem, including:
- Maintenance and overhauls
- Fuel and crew salaries
- Hangar storage and parking
- Insurance and flight certifications
These expenses can easily add up to $1 million to $5 million per aircraft per year, depending on size, usage, and region.
3. How the Ultra-Rich Own Jets
Ownership isn’t always personal. Some jets are:
- Outright owned and registered to individuals,
- Held under corporate entities for tax efficiency,
- Or leased through offshore holding companies for privacy and asset protection.
This structure allows billionaires to spread usage across businesses, family members, and sometimes even for charter revenue.
4. Why Own Ten?
Beyond the expense, why would anyone need so many jets? The reasons vary:
- Travel flexibility across continents
- Customized configurations (e.g., office, family, security)
- Redundancy to ensure no disruption in schedule
- Symbol of elite status in ultra-wealth circles
In these circles, a fleet is not merely practical—it’s a global power play. From corporate empire builders to royals and tycoons, owning ten jets means operating on a scale most of the world can only imagine.
The Billionaire Jet Club: Who Actually Owns 10 Jets?
While thousands of millionaires and business leaders may own or lease private jets, only a rare few can claim control over a fleet of ten or more aircraft. This exclusive club isn’t just defined by wealth—it’s shaped by global operations, strategic mobility, and in some cases, sheer indulgence.
Among the handful of individuals confirmed to hold such expansive aviation portfolios are:
- Kanika Tekriwal – An Indian entrepreneur who revolutionized private aviation through her company JetSetGo, managing and operating a fleet of over ten jets across the country.
- Prince Alwaleed bin Talal – A Saudi royal and global investor renowned for owning some of the most extravagant private aircraft in history, including a custom Airbus A380.
- Joseph Lau – A Hong Kong real estate tycoon with a discreet but lavish collection of jets tailored for both family travel and high-stakes business.
These individuals meet the key criteria: direct ownership or operational control over at least ten private jets.
Kanika Tekriwal – India’s Jet Queen
1. Who She Is
Kanika Tekriwal is not your typical aviation mogul. She is the Founder and CEO of JetSetGo, India’s premier private jet aggregator and charter company. From overcoming cancer at the age of 22 to building a company that manages one of India’s largest fleets of private aircraft, she stands out as one of the few entrepreneurs in the world who owns 10 private jets—a rare feat in the aviation industry.
Originally from Bhopal, Tekriwal has carved her name in the elite world of private aviation—a domain traditionally dominated by industrialists and royalty. With a passion for flying and a deep understanding of India’s underserved aviation market, she founded JetSetGo in 2014 with a clear mission: to democratize private air travel in the country.
Her efforts have gained international recognition. She has been featured in BBC’s 100 Women, Forbes 30 Under 30, and Business Today’s Most Powerful Women in Business. But beyond the accolades lies a visionary who redefined what private aviation could look like in a country as diverse and complex as India.
2. Her Jet Fleet
Under Tekriwal’s leadership, JetSetGo has grown into a formidable player in private aviation, managing a fleet of over 10 jets that serve a range of clients—from CEOs to celebrities, politicians, and medical emergencies.
The company’s fleet includes:
- Hawker 850XP – A midsize business jet known for its range and comfort.
- Cessna Citation Excel – Ideal for quick regional travel with a spacious cabin.
- Bombardier Challenger 605 – A heavy jet equipped for long-range business or luxury travel.
While Kanika may not personally own every aircraft, she exercises full operational and management control through JetSetGo. This functional control means the aircraft are positioned, scheduled, and utilized under her leadership—making her one of the few individuals in India who actively manage a fleet comparable to billionaire luxury private jets.
3. Business Model
JetSetGo is often dubbed the “Uber of Indian skies” for good reason. It disrupted the traditional ownership-heavy model by introducing on-demand private jet charters, fractional ownership, and fleet-as-a-service options tailored to Indian HNIs (high-net-worth individuals) and corporations.
Through JetSetGo:
- A client can book a jet within hours, using digital platforms.
- Corporates can buy fractional ownership, giving them access to a jet without the burden of full ownership costs.
- The company also offers aerial medical evacuation services, particularly vital in remote regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.
This nimble, tech-integrated approach has helped JetSetGo not only scale its fleet but also streamline costs and maximize aircraft utilization—challenges that many Western private jet operators continue to face.
4. Why She Has 10+ Jets
The answer lies in efficiency, scale, and vision. In India, with its massive geography and growing corporate economy, demand for executive travel is rising. Commercial airlines don’t always meet the needs of top-level business executives, celebrities, or time-sensitive travelers. Having a fleet distributed across key metros enables JetSetGo to respond instantly to demand.
Owning or managing multiple jets also helps JetSetGo:
- Offer different jet sizes for various needs (from light jets for short hops to heavy jets for international flights).
- Optimize routing, ground handling, and flight hours.
- Reduce downtime and increase fleet availability for last-minute bookings.
In essence, the size of the fleet supports the size of the opportunity—and Tekriwal was early to see this.
5. Impact and Highlights
Kanika Tekriwal is not just running an aviation business; she’s transforming an entire industry. At a time when private jet ownership in India was seen as a billionaire’s indulgence, she rebranded it as a strategic asset—accessible, efficient, and in some cases, life-saving.
- Empowering Women in Aviation: Tekriwal is among the few women globally to lead a fleet of jets. She’s become a role model for aspiring female entrepreneurs, especially in industries where women are underrepresented.
- Regional Development: JetSetGo has brought aviation infrastructure to Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities, increasing air access for businesses, hospitals, and emergency response teams in those areas.
- Sustainability: Unlike Western billionaires with half-empty jets flying across oceans, JetSetGo focuses on aircraft efficiency and multi-purpose utility. Each aircraft is scheduled and routed for maximum utilization, often serving several roles in a week—from weddings to corporate shuttles to medical evacuations.
Kanika Tekriwal may not fit the traditional mold of a jet collector, but in terms of functional fleet size, strategic vision, and disruptive innovation, she stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s most elite aviation moguls. As one of the very few individuals who owns 10 private jets through her company JetSetGo, her fleet is born not just from wealth—but from purpose, performance, and a powerful idea: that private aviation can serve the many, not just the few.
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal – The Flying Palace Tycoon
1. Who He Is
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is one of the most recognizable figures in the global business elite—not just because of his royal Saudi lineage, but also for his high-profile investments, flamboyant lifestyle, and eye-catching fleet of private jets. As a member of the Saudi royal family and the founder of Kingdom Holding Company, Prince Alwaleed has built a personal brand that fuses finance, diplomacy, and luxury in unprecedented ways.
His investment portfolio has included major stakes in Citigroup, Twitter, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Lyft, Apple, Time Warner, and other global giants. Often referred to as the “Warren Buffett of the Middle East,” he has played a significant role in bridging Western business with Gulf capital.
But beyond Wall Street and boardrooms, Prince Alwaleed has drawn international attention for his remarkable private jet collection—one of the most luxurious and expansive in the world.
2. His Jet Fleet
Prince Alwaleed owns more than 10 private jets, each serving a unique purpose—ranging from intercontinental royal travel to personal leisure and diplomatic engagement. His fleet showcases a mix of size, luxury, and customization rarely seen, even among the global elite.
Some of the crown jewels of his collection include:
- Airbus A380 (“The Flying Palace”) – Perhaps the most famous private jet in the world, this double-deck superjumbo was custom-built to serve as a flying mansion. Estimated at over $500 million, the aircraft features a concert hall, prayer room with electronic mat pointing to Mecca, and even a garage for his Rolls-Royce.
- Boeing 747-400 – A wide-body aircraft traditionally used for long-haul commercial flights, transformed into a luxury flying suite with sleeping quarters and conference rooms.
- Gulfstream G550 and G650 – Ultra-long-range jets used for quicker business trips, diplomatic missions, or personal travel to regions without wide-body jet access.
- Hawker Jets – Smaller, agile aircraft for short hops within the Gulf region and nearby territories.
Prince Alwaleed is also known for gifting aircraft to fellow royals and dignitaries—a gesture that blends political diplomacy with extravagant generosity.
3. Reasons for Fleet Size
The size of Prince Alwaleed’s fleet reflects the unique intersection of royal obligations, business commitments, and personal branding.
- Royal Protocol and Family Use: As a prominent member of the House of Saud, Prince Alwaleed’s travels often involve entire entourages—family members, advisors, and security personnel. Multiple aircraft are sometimes required for a single journey to accommodate royal protocol and logistical needs.
- Extensive International Travel: Prince Alwaleed’s role as a global investor, philanthropist, and political envoy means he spends considerable time outside Saudi Arabia. From New York to Geneva to Singapore, his aircraft serve as both transportation and mobile command centers.
- Symbol of Extreme Wealth and Hospitality: In Gulf Arab culture, hospitality and display of generosity are paramount. His aircraft are not just for personal use—they are often lent to friends, dignitaries, or used for charitable purposes, reinforcing his image as both powerful and benevolent.
4. Notable Features
The most famous aircraft in Prince Alwaleed’s collection is undoubtedly the custom Airbus A380, often dubbed “The Flying Palace.” Initially developed for commercial airline use, the A380 was transformed into a floating mansion in the sky, featuring:
- A concert hall with a grand piano
- A Turkish-style hammam (steam room)
- Gold-trimmed bathrooms
- Spiral staircases connecting the two levels
- A garage bay with space for a Rolls-Royce Phantom
- A private prayer room with rotating mats that always face Mecca
This level of personalization and extravagance is unprecedented in aviation history. Although reports suggest the aircraft may have later been sold or repurposed, it remains the most iconic representation of Alwaleed’s lavish approach to jet ownership.
5. Controversies and Public Perception
With wealth and luxury on this scale inevitably comes public scrutiny and controversy.
In 2017, Prince Alwaleed was detained during a sweeping anti-corruption crackdown in Saudi Arabia. He was held at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, along with other royals and business elites, and later released after an undisclosed financial settlement. The event triggered questions around his fortune, assets—including his aircraft—and his role within the evolving Saudi power structure.
While some admire his flamboyance and charitable efforts, others have criticized his excessive lifestyle—especially in the context of global conversations about wealth inequality and climate responsibility.
Still, his status as one of the world’s most extravagant private jet owners remains uncontested. As someone who owns 10 private jets, Prince Alwaleed represents the pinnacle of Gulf luxury, financial acumen, and soft diplomacy. His airborne empire reflects a life lived entirely on his own terms.
Joseph Lau – The Private Jet Collector of Hong Kong
1. Who He Is
Joseph Lau is a name that quietly dominates the Asian billionaire landscape. A real estate magnate from Hong Kong, he is the former chairman of Chinese Estates Holdings, a massive property development firm with high-value holdings across Hong Kong, mainland China, and overseas.
Known for his enormous wealth, estimated at over $13 billion at his peak, Lau is equally recognized for his passion for collecting—whether it’s rare wines, luxury properties, or world-class art. One of his most famous purchases was Amedeo Modigliani’s painting “Nu couché,” for which he paid over $170 million, placing him among the top art collectors in the world.
While Lau maintains a lower public profile compared to other billionaires, his lifestyle is anything but modest. As a billionaire who owns 10 private jets, his portfolio includes mega mansions, private islands, and a jet fleet that reflects a taste for luxury defined not by flash—but by exclusivity, control, and discretion.
2. His Jet Fleet
Joseph Lau’s fleet of private jets is among the most sophisticated in Asia. It reflects not only his wealth but also his operational needs as a global investor and collector. Reports confirm he owns more than 10 aircraft, each heavily customized to suit his lifestyle and international obligations.
Key aircraft in his fleet include:
- Boeing 747-8 VIP – Often referred to as a “flying palace,” this long-range wide-body aircraft is one of the largest private jets in the world. Lau’s version includes personal suites, meeting rooms, and full-scale dining facilities.
- Gulfstream G650 – A top-tier business jet known for speed and ultra-long range. It allows him to travel non-stop between Hong Kong and New York or London.
- Airbus ACJ series – These converted commercial aircraft offer customizable layouts, ideal for combining family travel with business functionality.
Each jet in his fleet has been meticulously customized for comfort, luxury, and discretion, transforming them into airborne sanctuaries. From conference capabilities to leisure zones, every space is designed for maximum utility—and indulgence, showcasing some of the best private jets available in the industry.
3. Why He Owns So Many Jets
Unlike some jet owners who use their fleets for display or social signaling, Joseph Lau’s aviation strategy is grounded in functionality. His jets support:
- Global Business Operations: Lau conducts high-value transactions and oversees property interests across Europe, North America, and Asia. With real estate deals often requiring swift mobility, having multiple aircraft at the ready ensures he or his team can respond instantly—without relying on commercial routes.
- Private Lifestyle Requirements: Joseph Lau is known for traveling extensively with family, often taking long, private holidays abroad. Separate aircraft are frequently used for family members, security staff, and even household staff—offering safety, convenience, and comfort.
- Discretion and Control: As someone who values privacy, owning a large fleet minimizes outside dependence. He can travel at his own pace, route, and schedule—shielded from public airports and press scrutiny.
4. Unique Features
Whereas Prince Alwaleed’s aircraft scream opulence, Lau’s jets are more about refined exclusivity. However, they’re no less luxurious. His interiors often include:
- Private guest suites and master bedrooms
- Formal dining rooms with seating for up to 12 guests
- Full gyms and spa-style bathrooms
- Custom-built wine cellars for his famous wine collection
- Fine art and collectible decor, often rotating based on his latest acquisitions
Security systems are integrated into every aircraft, with biometric access points, encrypted communication channels, and high-tech surveillance—demonstrating his obsession with privacy and control.
These jets are not just tools for transportation; they are mobile representations of his lifestyle—elegant, quiet, and inaccessible to the public eye.
5. Public Image
Joseph Lau is an intensely private figure. He rarely gives interviews, avoids the media spotlight, and does not participate in the kind of public philanthropy or branding other billionaires often pursue. His appearances are generally limited to high-end art auctions or major business dealings.
His private jet fleet is seldom flaunted—but often seen. Reports of his aircraft landing in Geneva, Paris, New York, and Tokyo have surfaced in art and real estate media, usually in connection with major purchases.
He uses his aircraft primarily for:
- Family vacations
- Art acquisitions and auctions
- High-level business negotiations
Despite his immense wealth and luxury assets, Lau maintains a reputation for low-key sophistication—especially when compared to louder figures like Prince Alwaleed. His jets, like his art and real estate holdings, serve as extensions of his measured, methodical empire-building style.
Joseph Lau may not seek headlines, but his presence in the skies is unmistakable. His collection of 10+ private jets is a testament to how the ultra-rich operate in absolute privacy and on their own terms. For Lau, jet ownership is not about spectacle—it’s about having complete control over how, when, and where he moves through the world.
Why Some People Need Fleets, Not Just Jets
For the ultra-wealthy, owning one jet might not be enough to meet their operational or personal demands. Individuals like Prince Alwaleed, Kanika Tekriwal, and Joseph Lau maintain fleets of ten or more aircraft—not for extravagance alone, but for functionality, security, and strategic positioning.
Multinational businesses often operate across several time zones, and having aircraft stationed in key regions like North America, Europe, and Asia ensures instant mobility. For political figures or royals, multiple jets provide flexibility for official protocol, family separation, or staff coordination during international trips.
Security also plays a major role. Some billionaires use decoy jets, deploying one aircraft ahead of their actual travel to mask movement. Others reserve jets exclusively for staff, media teams, or emergency use.
Then there’s strategic image-building. A fleet communicates dominance, capability, and global influence. Just as some leaders use yachts or real estate as public power symbols, aircraft fleets are high-altitude signals of prestige. For these individuals, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s the launchpad.
Inside the Jets: Ultimate Luxury at 40,000 Feet
Step inside a billionaire’s jet, and you’re likely to find far more than plush seats and legroom. The interiors of elite private aircraft resemble five-star penthouses in the sky, tailored to match each owner’s tastes and needs.
Common features include:
- Master bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and walk-in closets
- Private chefs and full-service kitchens
- Cinemas, entertainment lounges, and conference rooms
- Prayer rooms, meditation zones, and wellness suites
Prince Alwaleed’s famed Airbus A380 takes opulence to new heights—with a concert hall, gold-trimmed bathrooms, and even a garage for his Rolls-Royce Phantom. In contrast, Kanika Tekriwal’s fleet is focused on high-performance and multipurpose utility—optimized for corporate charters, weddings, and air ambulances across India. Meanwhile, Joseph Lau’s jets are floating museums: art-adorned walls, luxury dining areas, and even wine cellars.
These aircraft are more than modes of transport—they are mobile ecosystems that reflect power, personality, and privacy at 40,000 feet.
Jet Ownership vs. Chartering vs. Jet-Sharing
When it comes to private aviation, not all high-flyers choose the same route. There are three primary models: full ownership, chartering, and jet-sharing—each offering different levels of access, control, and cost.
Full ownership is the most exclusive and expensive. It allows total control over aircraft availability, customization, and branding. This suits billionaires like Prince Alwaleed or Joseph Lau, who need 24/7 access and frequently travel internationally with entourages.
Chartering, on the other hand, offers flexibility without long-term commitment. Clients pay per flight, making it cost-efficient for occasional travelers or executives who don’t need regular access.
Enter JetSetGo, Kanika Tekriwal’s innovative hybrid model. Operating as India’s “Uber for private jets,” JetSetGo enables fractional ownership, fleet management, and on-demand charters. Clients enjoy the perks of ownership without the burdens of maintenance, staffing, and scheduling.
For billionaires with global influence, full ownership provides autonomy and prestige. But for modern executives, celebrities, or regional businesses, smart models like chartering or shared fleets may offer greater efficiency and scale—without the financial turbulence.
The Environmental Dilemma
As private jets soar in popularity, so do concerns about their carbon footprint. A single private jet can emit up to 40 times more CO₂ per passenger than a commercial flight—drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists and the general public.
Public backlash has intensified, especially with celebrities like Taylor Swift and Elon Musk being tracked for frequent jet use. Social media accounts now monitor billionaire flights, raising questions about climate accountability in the luxury travel sector.
Yet, not all private jet usage is created equal. Kanika Tekriwal’s JetSetGo emphasizes aircraft efficiency, shared use, and route optimization—making her fleet one of the more sustainably managed in the industry. Her business model reflects a move toward resource efficiency rather than indulgence.
Looking ahead, the industry is exploring solutions like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), hybrid propulsion, and even electric jets. While change won’t come overnight, pressure is mounting for private jet owners to adopt cleaner, greener alternatives.
Until then, owning ten jets isn’t just a luxury—it’s a growing environmental responsibility.
Final Thoughts: What 10 Jets Really Symbolize
Owning a private jet is a privilege few can afford. Owning ten is a declaration. It’s not just about flying faster or more comfortably—it’s about operating beyond conventional limits.
For people like Prince Alwaleed, a fleet is a diplomatic and cultural tool. For Joseph Lau, it offers total privacy and international reach. For Kanika Tekriwal, it’s a scalable model to revolutionize access and efficiency.
These jets symbolize more than wealth. They represent speed, autonomy, dominance, and identity. In the uppermost circles of global power, they are tools of empire, levers of influence, and—at times—works of art.
In today’s interconnected world, owning ten jets is no longer about indulgence. It’s about commanding time, space, and image—in the air, and far beyond it.
What do you think about owning 10 private jets?
Is it a symbol of success, a tool for global business, or an excessive luxury? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your take on this high-flying lifestyle.
