Inside The Luxurious World Of John Travolta's Private Jet (2024)

Hollywood star John Travolta is as well known for his love of aviation as he is for his movies. Always an avid flyer, he took his first flying lesson at 15 and received his pilot's license by the age of 22. He has a large collection of aircraft, but recently flew to the Paris Olympics with his daughter on one of their private jets, the Falcon 900. Let's find out more about the aircraft.

Introduction to the Falcon 900

The Dassault Falcon 900B, aircraft registration N905FJ, is a luxury business tri-jet built by the French aircraft manufacturer, Dassault Aviation. The original Falcon 900 was developed from the earlier Falcon 50 and Falcon 20 and first flew on September 21, 1984. It went on to be produced in 1987. The Falcon 900B was a variation that was introduced in 1991, with an increased range, and ceased production in 1999. The average cost of the aircraft new is $44.7 million.

Photo: Donal Morrissey | Flickr

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Variants of the Falcon 900

The Falcon 900B brought increased range to the table. The 900EX had more powerful engines, increased range, and an all-glass co*ckpit. The Falcon 900C replaced the 900B in 2000. The Falcon 900EX was the long-range version and had improved engines and a new Honeywell Primus avionics suite. Next came the Falcon 900EX EASy with the Honeywell Dassault Primus Epic EASy avionics and improved engines. The 900DX had a shorter range, and the 900LX is still in production.

Variants summary:

• Falcon 900
• Falcon 900B
• Falcon 900EX
• Falcon 900EX EASy
• Falcon 900DX
• Falcon 900LX

Photo: Boeing

Variants of the aircraft are still in production today and over 600 Falcon 900s have been built across all variants. Other variants include the Falcon 7X and the Falcon 2000. Military versions of the aircraft were also made. The Falcon 900B was seen as an alternative to the Gulfstream 450 or the Bombardier Global 5000.

The technical bit

The Falcon 900B is powered by three Allied Signal (now Honeywell) TFE731-5BR-1C engines that produce 4750 pounds of thrust each. It has a maximum speed of 500 knots and a maximum range of 3970 nautical miles but averages 3590 nautical miles and a speed of Mach 0.8 with eight passengers. It is an aircraft that is suited to both long legs and short hops and can fly from Las Vegas to London or, in this case, Clearwater, Florida to Paris.

The Falcon 900B avionics suite consists of the Honeywell SPZ 8000 flight director, dual Honeywell FMZ flight management systems, AZ 810 air data computers, and Collins Pro Line ARINC 429 series communication and navigation receivers.

Aircraft specifications

(Data from Brassey's World Aircraft and Systems Directory)

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Capacity: Average 10-12 passengers, maximum 19 depending on configuration
• Length: 20.21 m (66 ft 4 in)
• Wingspan: 19.33 m (63 ft 5 in)
• Wing area: 49.0 m2 (527 sq ft)
• Aspect ratio: 7.63:1
• Empty weight: 10,255 kg (22,608 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 20,640 kg (45,503 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 8,690 kg (19,160 lb)
• Powerplant: 3 × Allied Signal TFE731-5BR-1C turbofans, 21.13 kN (4,750 lbf) thrust each

Photo: Airliners| Wikimedia Commons

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 0.84–0.87
• Cruise speed: 950 km/h (590 mph, 510 kn) ; Mach 0.85 (at 11,000 m (36,000 ft))
• Stall speed: 158 km/h (98 mph, 85 kn) (wheels and flaps down)
• Range: 7,400 km (4,600 mi, 4,000 nmi) with 8 passengers
• Service ceiling: 15,500 m (50,900 ft)

In the cabin

The fuselage incorporates some composite materials and is designed to seat 12–14 passengers and two crew. The configuration varies depending on whether an extra lavatory or crew rest area is added, but most seat 10 to 12 passengers. The spacious cabin has a double club leather seat configuration with a three-seat divan at the rear. The seats can be made up into four beds, and there is a pocket door for privacy.

Photo: Dassault Aviation

There is a baggage compartment that can take up to 12 standard-sized suitcases and closet space for smaller items. There are sidewall pull out tables for dining or working and an entertainment center and air show. The cabin has three living areas, and the 24 windows bring in much-needed natural light. There is also a full-sized enclosed lavatory/washroom and a galley for preparing meals and drinks.

Other aircraft in the fleet?

John Travolta is well known for his extensive aircraft collection and a home that famously has its own airport. According to the National Air and Space Museum, Captain Travolta holds eight jet licenses:

• Boeing 747
• Boeing 707
• Gulfstream II
• Hawker 125
• Lear 24/25
• Lear 36
• British Vampire Jet
• Canadair CL-41 Tebuan Jet

Along with the luxurious Dassault Falcon 900B, Travolta has a Boeing 737-300 that has a BBJ configuration, and he took over ownership of the aircraft in 2022. He famously had his own Boeing 707 that was built in 1964 and used until recently. It was originally leased from Qantas, until he became an ambassador for them. It will be going to an aviation museum in Australia after restoration. He also has an Eclipse 500.

Previous aircraft he is said to have owned include a Lockheed Constellation, a DC-3 Dakota, a Canadair CL-41, a Lockheed Jetstar, a Bombardier Challenger 601, a Soko Galeb fighter jet and two ultralights.