Michael Jordan pays jaw-dropping amount for private jet

NBA legend Michael Jordan just bought a car for $3 million and now he’s dropped a jaw-dropping amount on a private jet that’s one of the fastest in aviation.

Michael Jordan is taking luxury to new heights — literally.

The NBA legend has dropped a jaw-dropping $US70 million – about $A103 million – on a customised private jet, which nods to his iconic line of Air Jordan sneakers.

Just weeks after spending $US2 million ($A3 million) on an exclusive Italian sports car, Jordan has gone all in on a top-tier Gulfstream 650ER, one of the fastest and most impressive jets in business aviation.

Maintenance costs are also steep, with more than $A2 million required annually for 200 hours of flying.

However, the six-time NBA champ didn’t stop at just buying the jet.

Maintenance costs are steep, with $1.86 million required annually for 200 hours of flying. Picture: Gulfstream

Jordan went all out, spending $US500,000 ($A740,000) on a custom paint job alone, inspired by his famous elephant-print sneakers.

The exterior boasts a sleek silver-and-black design, with his signature Jumpman logo proudly displayed on the rear.

The tail number, N236MJ, references his No. 23 jersey, six championship rings and his initials. Picture: Tiktok/seanpalmbeach

Even the jet’s tail number, N236MJ, has a special significance, blending his No. 23 jersey, his six championship titles, and his initials.

Under the hood, the aircraft packs a punch with two powerful Rolls-Royce engines, allowing it to reach speeds close to Mach 1.

The jet, known for holding the record for the farthest fastest flight in business aviation, features a silver-and-black design resembling his elephant-print sneakers and his iconic Jumpman logo. Picture: Gulfstream

Inside, the jet accommodates 19 passengers and offers high-end amenities, including leather recliner seats, a dining area, a fully stocked bar and a private bedroom. Picture: Gulfstream

Inside, the 30-metre long plane is equally as impressive. With enough room for 19 passengers and a four-person crew, the jet’s interior screams luxury with plush leather recliners, a private dining area, a fully-stocked bar with LED lighting and even a private bedroom for those long-haul flights.

Running costs

The jet’s range allows it to travel for up to 13 hours without stopping for fuel, but keeping it in the air won’t come cheap. Maintenance costs will set him back nearly $US1.9 million ($A2.80 million) – per year for 200 hours of flying.

Jordan, whose net worth is $A5.20 billion, has extensively modified the plane to travel up to 13 hours without refuelling. Picture: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

This includes hefty expenses like fuel, crew wages and insurance, with costs only increasing if Jordan takes to the skies for additional hours.

But with a net worth of $US3.5 billion ($A5.20 billion) – the Bulls icon is no stranger to living large, whether it’s on the court — or in the clouds.

News of the plane purchase comes on the heels of his Illinois mansion, located in the Chicago suburbs, finally entering into contract after 12 years on the market.

Jordan initially put his customised nine-bedroom, 19-bathroom property, which spans nearly 33,000 square feet, on the market back in 2012 for $US29 million ($A43 million).

The price reduced to $US14.85 million ($A22 million) in 2015 and remained at that price point until it landed a sale last month. The final sale price is not yet known.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission