Sultan of Brunei spent $120,000,000 turning a Boeing 747-400 into solid gold to be the crowning jewel of his private jet fleet
Published on Nov 27, 2025 at 4:55 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Nov 27, 2025 at 9:29 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews

The Sultan of Brunei spent $120,000,000 turning his amazing Boeing 747-400 into solid gold to be the crowning jewel of his private jet fleet.
The jet started life as a standard 747-400 before receiving one of the most expensive refits ever commissioned in the whole world.
Almost every surface inside has been completely rebuilt with the most expensive gold, crystal, and custom luxury materials.
The result is a flying palace designed to outshine every aircraft in his collection and pretty much every other plane ever made.
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This solid gold Boeing 747-400 is spectacular
This airplane has had one of the most expensive refits ever.
The Sultan of Brunei’s Boeing 747-400, often called the Floating Palace, was purchased for a price estimated between $100 million and $400 million, depending on the source.
He then invested an additional $120 million to gut and rebuild the interior from scratch, replacing standard fittings with gold-plated fixtures, handcrafted woodwork, and custom carpet throughout the cabin.


The master suite was redesigned with a private bedroom, full bathroom, and remote-controlled systems built specifically for the Sultan’s use.
A formal dining room, a conference room, and multiple lounges were added to serve him and his classy entourage on long-haul flights.


The Sultan of Brunei made the jet his collection’s crowning jewel
The upgraded Boeing 747-400 was fitted with extended-range fuel tanks that push it past the usual capabilities of the normal version, allowing nonstop travel across oceans without sacrificing comfort.
It serves as the crowning jewel of the Sultan’s larger private jet fleet, which includes several airplanes and helicopters used for different types of royal travel.

The solid gold beauty remains the standout in the collection, but in airplanes in general, due to its scale, build quality, and the level of customization inside the cabin.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.