Shaquille O’Neal’s maintenance bill for $26m private jet had fans’ jaws on the floor
- Shaquille O’Neal invested in a $20 million private jet last year
- The sports mogul previously stated he wouldn’t own one due to costs
- In fact, the figure left fans of the MVP in disbelief
Published on Sep 06, 2024 at 5:50 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Sep 06, 2024 at 5:55 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Shaquille O’Neal is big both in stature and business acumen – however, it turns out the maintenance bill for his $20 million private jet is just as huge.
The sports mogul previously stated that he wouldn’t own a private due to ‘too much maintenance’.
While his net worth of roughly $500 million can certainly cover it – it’s a hefty figure.
In fact, it left the loyal fans of the MVP in disbelief.
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The Bombardier Challenger 650 private jet
Back in 2010, Shaquille O’Neal told Jetset magazine that he wouldn’t get a jet ‘because there’s too much maintenance’.
However, he seems to have changed his mind after investing in a Bombardier Challenger 650 last year.
Matching its owner in the size stakes, the Bombardier Challenger 650 features the widest cabin in its class, carrying 12 people for a maximum range of 4,000nm at a top speed of Mach 0.85.
He’s previously shared what he has to do to fit into his Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
Inside the cabin, the white aircraft complete with his Dunkman symbol on the tailplane boasts a lavish interior with wood paneling and leather seating in neutral tones.
Maintenance costs for Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq certainly wasn’t wrong with his 2010 assertion, however.
According to Liberty Jet, using his jet for 200 hours a year would set back Shaquille O’Neal approximately $1,350,000.
That imposing figure includes $517,000 for fuel; $307,000 for cabin crew, $93,000 for an engine overhaul, and $792,909 for direct operating costs.
Fans spoke out in disbelief with one stating: “Mad money but he can pay for that easily.”
Another quipped: “This is why I catch public transport.”
The private jet isn’t the only vehicle that’s expensive to run.
Check out the breakdown of the Bugatti Chiron’s 8-figure price tag and why maintenance is so expensive.
Shaq’s $80 million superyacht also has a jaw-dropping weekly maintenance bill.
London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.
