Roman Abramovich is a Russian billionaire with multiple citizenships renowned for his vast wealth and influence. He has long been associated with luxury assets, including an impressive fleet of private jets. As of 2025, his collection comprises two notable aircraft: a Boeing 787
-8 Dreamliner and a Gulfstream G650ER
. However, the application of international sanctions in 2022 has significantly impacted his aviation holdings, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions of recent years related to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Roman Abramovich: a brief biography
Born on October 24, 1966, in Saratov, USSR, Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich rose from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s most influential oligarchs and probably one of the most influential ones in Russia. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by relatives and demonstrated an early aptitude for business. Once an adult during Perestroika, he chose a path of entrepreneurship and later a career in the oil and gas industry. During the 1990s, amidst Russia’s transition to a market economy, Abramovich capitalized on the privatization wave, acquiring significant interests in the oil industry in Russian Siberia and the Far East, notably through the acquisition of the Sibneft oil company that later became rebranded as Gazprom.
Beyond his ventures in the energy sector, Abramovich is perhaps best known internationally for his ownership of the British Chelsea Football Club, which he purchased in 2003. Under his ownership, the club experienced unprecedented success, securing multiple Premier League titles and European trophies. However, in the wake of geopolitical tensions and ensuing sanctions, Abramovich sold the club in 2022, marking the end of an era for Chelsea fans.
The Private Jet fleet
Aircraft collection
Abramovich’s love for luxury is characterized by his private jets and helicopters. His private aviation portfolio, as of 2025, includes two distinguished aircraft: the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and the Gulfstream G650ER. Each aircraft shows luxury and advanced aviation technology tailored to meet the high standards of elite travel.
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Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (P4-BDL)
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is Abramovich’s crown jewel, registered as P4-BDL. The Dreamliner, typically a commercial aircraft, has been refurbished for private use. Acquired in 2021 for an estimated $350 million, this aircraft replaced his previous Boeing 767-300ER, known under the nickname “The Bandit” due to the black mask designed around the cockpit windows. The Dreamliner, typically configured to seat over 200 passengers in commercial service, was customized to accommodate just 50, offering unprecedented luxury and comfort. Features include private bedrooms, a spacious lounge, a well-appointed kitchen, and advanced security systems. This Dreamliner has also received Its distinctive livery, which resembles the previous “bandit” aircraft.
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The Chelsea FC owner recently traded the aircraft in for a Boeing 787.
This aircraft offers a unique blend of range, efficiency, and passenger comfort. Let’s take a look at its characteristics:
- Range and Performance: The 787-8 has a range of approximately 7,305 nautical miles (13,530 kilometers), allowing nonstop flights between major global cities and all continents. Its fuel-efficient design reduces operating costs and environmental impact.
- Interior Features: The customized interior, which can accommodate just 50 passengers, includes private bedrooms, a spacious lounge, a fully equipped kitchen, and advanced entertainment systems. The cabin’s pressurization and humidity controls enhance passenger comfort on long-haul flights.
- Technological Advancements: Equipped with modern avionics and safety systems, the 787-8 ensures a smooth and secure flight experience. Its composite materials contribute to a lighter airframe, improving fuel efficiency.
Gulfstream G650ER (LX-RAY)
Photo: Michael Derrer Fuchs | Shutterstock.com
Complementing the Dreamliner is the Gulfstream G650ER, registered as LX-RAY. This ultra-long-range business jet, valued at approximately $60 million, offers seating for up to 18 passengers and boasts a range of 7,500 nautical miles (or 13,900 kilometers) that allows non-stop flights all across Russia and from destinations like London to Singapore or Los Angeles to Sydney. Renowned for its speed and comfort, the G650ER is a favorite among the global elite.
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The individual has sent his business jets to locations where they cannot be seized.
This Gulfstream is popular in the business aviation sector for its exceptional performance and luxurious amenities. Let’s examine its characteristics in detail according to the globalspecs:
- Range and Speed: Capable of flying 7,500 nautical miles (13,890 kilometers) at Mach 0.85, the G650ER connects distant city pairs non-stop, and its main advantage over the Dreamliner is the use of shorter runways, making it ideal for minor airport use. Its maximum operating speed reaches Mach 0.925, making it one of the fastest long-range business jets.
- Cabin Dimensions and Comfort: The cabin measures 46 feet 10 inches (14 meters) in length, 6 feet 5 inches (2 meters) in height, and 8 feet 6 inches (2.6 meters) in width, providing a spacious environment. It can be configured to seat up to 19 passengers and offers sleeping arrangements for up to 10. The cabin’s 100% fresh air system minimizes fatigue, ensuring passengers arrive refreshed.
- Amenities: Features include handcrafted seats and sofas, high-definition in-flight entertainment systems, and connectivity options. The galley is equipped with appliances such as an electric oven and microwave, facilitating in-flight cooking for fine dining experiences.
- Performance Metrics: The G650ER’s takeoff distance is 6,299 feet (1,920 meters), and its maximum cruise altitude is 51,000 feet (15.5 km). Its two Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, each providing 16,900 pounds of thrust, contribute to its impressive performance capabilities.
Both aircraft in Abramovich’s fleet reflect a commitment to luxury, efficiency, and cutting-edge aviation technology, catering to the discerning requirements of global travel.
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Unusual registration
Photo: Tupungato | Shutterstock.com
As we can note, all of Roman Abramovich’s private aircraft are registered in so-called offshore jurisdictions such as Aruba and Luxembourg. This strategic choice offers several advantages:
- Privacy and Confidentiality: Certain registries, like Aruba and other islands, mainly in the Caribbean, ensure that personal ownership details remain undisclosed, allowing individuals to maintain anonymity.
- Regulatory and Tax Benefits: Some countries provide favorable regulatory environments and tax incentives, reducing operational costs for aircraft owners. Some major airlines also use this scheme; the most notable example was, in fact, Russian Aeroflot, which had almost all their aircraft registered on the Bermuda Islands until the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority suspended certificates of over 700 Russian-owned planes in March 2022.
- Operational Flexibility: Registering in specific jurisdictions can facilitate easier international operations, as these countries often have bilateral agreements simplifying flight permissions and airspace access. It is especially important for clients who wish to travel globally without any restrictions.
However, these registration choices have faced increased scrutiny in light of recent geopolitical developments and sanctions targeting Russian airlines, especially oligarchs. For instance, in March 2022, the Isle of Man deregistered 18 Russian aircraft, including assets linked to Abramovich, as part of broader sanction enforcement efforts.
Even though registering aircraft in different countries offers benefits like privacy and operational efficiency, it also subjects the assets to those jurisdictions’ regulatory and political climates, which can change in response to international events and global geopolitical situations. Abramovich’s planes were no exception, and sanctions reduced the possibility of using these jets. Let’s see what happened to his aircraft after March 2022.
Impact of sanctions on the fleet
As we all know, the geopolitical landscape changed dramatically in 2022 following Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In response, Western nations imposed stringent sanctions targeting Russian oligarchs, including Roman Abramovich. These measures aimed to curtail the financial and operational freedoms of individuals perceived to be close to the Kremlin and Putin in person.
For example, in March 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce identified nearly a hundred aircraft with ties to Russia that violated U.S. export controls and newly imposed sanctions. Among them were Abramovich’s Boeing 787 and Gulfstream G650ER. The department warned that providing service to these aircraft anywhere in the world, including within Russia, could lead to substantial fines and even potential jail time.
Related
A Russian-registered freighter nicknamed Ruslan was seized at Toronto Pearson Airport.
Further escalating the situation, in June 2022, a federal judge in New York authorized the U.S. Department of Justice to seize both of Abramovich’s aircraft. Prosecutors alleged that flights made by these planes to Russia in March violated U.S. export sanctions, which prohibited the transfer of aircraft and aircraft parts to Russia without special permission. At the time, the Boeing 787 was located in Dubai, while the Gulfstream was already in Russia.
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US To Seize 2 Roman Abramovich Private Planes Including 787 Dreamliner
A seizure warrant has been signed for a Boeing 787 and Gulfstream G650ER belonging to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
Current status as of 2025
Photo: Alhim | Shutterstock.com
As of March 2025, the status of Abramovich’s private jets remains complex. According to flightradar24, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, stationed at Al Maktoum airport in Dubai, UAE, has not been observed making international flights since the sanctions were imposed. Its exact condition and usage are not publicly documented, leading to speculation about its operational status.
The Gulfstream G650ER was last reported in Israel in February 2022, and before it made its last flight to Vnukovo airport in Moscow, Russia, there are no public records of recent flights. Given the broad reach of the sanctions, which deter service providers worldwide from offering maintenance, refueling, or other support, it’s plausible that this aircraft has remained grounded as well and is stored alongside other business jets at Vnukovo near Moscow. The legal and financial implications of operating these jets under current restrictions present significant challenges, including the shipment of spare parts and providing maintenance support, which is restricted under international sanctions.
Broader implications
The targeting of Abramovich’s aircraft is emblematic of the wider strategy employed by Western nations to pressure influential Russian citizens. By restricting access to luxury assets and limiting international mobility, sanctions aim to signal the serious repercussions of geopolitical actions. However, the efficacy of such measures continues to be a topic of debate among policymakers and analysts.
In conclusion, Roman Abramovich’s ownership of luxury private jets underscored his significant wealth and status. Yet, the enduring impact of international sanctions since 2022 has profoundly affected his aviation assets, reflecting the intricate interplay between global politics and individual fortunes.
Sources: BBC News, The Forbes
