Flying high with Packer air: Flash new jets will woo the high-flyers
GLOBE-trotting billionaire James Packer is stretching his wings, snapping up three new luxury private jets worth $US100 million.
GLOBE-trotting billionaire James Packer is stretching his wings, snapping up three new luxury private jets worth $US100 million.
The casino magnate’s Crown Resorts has bought three Bombardier Global Express XRS aircraft for the exclusive use of the company’s biggest gamblers, known as “whales”.
“This acquisition will enable Crown to expand the range of its private jet service to Asian VIP customers and provide a superior level of comfort and amenity,” Crown said.
The new jets — set up with 15 seats and nine sleeping berths — replace Crown’s existing fleet of Gulfstream aircraft, bought between 1995 and 2010.
The Bombardiers use Rolls-Royce engines and can fly 6000 nautical miles without refuelling, allowing Asian gamblers to easily make it to Mr Packer’s casino resorts in Melbourne and Perth. The jets’ luxury offering includes a first-class food and drink service sourced from Crown restaurants helmed by noted chefs.
Crown’s aerial upgrade comes on the back of a 66 per cent profit surge to $655 million for the 2014 financial year announced yesterday.
But Mr Packer’s ambitions continue to soar, with plans revealed this month to expand into Las Vegas with a $2 billion high-rollers casino on the famous strip.
Along with his Barangaroo tower, Mr Packer is also building resorts in Macau and hopes to grab a slice of the emerging Japanese and Sri Lankan markets.
This week, Crown also paid $10 million to gain 100 per cent control of wagering operator Betfair Australia.
Despite the booming profit result yesterday, Crown chief executive Rowen Craigie said weak consumer sentiment was adversely affecting trade at both Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth.
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