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What was the aircraft—and did it ever become his private jet?
Airbus announced on November 12, 2007, that Alwaleed had signed a firm order for an A380 Flying Palace, making him the first customer for the airliner’s VIP version. Airbus said the cabin would be outfitted at a completion center that had not yet been selected. Airbus’s announcement described an order and a future fit-out, not a finished aircraft.
Rolls-Royce said the VIP A380 would use Trent 900 engines and that delivery was expected in 2010. That was the plan announced in 2007, not evidence that the aircraft was delivered. Rolls-Royce’s announcement records the expected delivery at that time.
In 2015, Aviation International News reported that Airbus had cancelled the only VVIP A380 order. Its account said Alwaleed had never followed up with the cabin interior design and installation. The supported description, therefore, is a proposed private A380 that did not proceed to a completed custom cabin—not a delivered flying palace. Aviation International News reported the cancellation on February 5, 2015.
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#1 Best Overall
- In presentation window box
- Diecast metal with plastic parts
- Detailed exterior with authentic livery and markings
- Officially licensed product
- Fixed landing gear
What did the reported $319 million cover?
Gulf News reported on November 12, 2007, that Airbus executive John Leahy valued the deal at about $319 million, including engines and excluding interiors. The interior had not yet been decided. That historical figure is a reported aircraft price, not a final all-in cost for a completed private jet. Gulf News’s contemporaneous account gives the price and its exclusions.
The $500 million figure in the headline is not verified as a sum Alwaleed paid. Because the order was later reported cancelled before cabin design and installation, it would be misleading to present a completed aircraft’s total build cost as established fact. The available reporting supports the roughly $319 million aircraft figure with interiors excluded; it does not establish a final interior budget or a $500 million payment.
Rank #2
- Product Dimensions: The Airbus A380 airplane model kit is carefully crafted based on the real Airbus A380 at 1/160 scale. It measures 18 inches long, 19.69 inches wide, 5.91 inches tall, and weighs 1.94 pounds. This is a high-quality aircraft model for display and collection. It is not a toy and does not come with batteries. It shows the beautiful shape of the A380, and the details and craftsmanship present realistic visual effects.
- Material and Painting: The whole Airplane model is made of ABS plastic and metal die-casting, which is strong and durable and will not rust. Its surface has been carefully spray-painted, with bright colors and bright luster. This Airbus A380 model plane simulates the British Airways livery. The color is restored and suitable for aviation enthusiasts to collect.
- Package List: The airplane model kit contains an plane model and an airplane display stand. If you are someone interested in aviation, this 1:160 scale Airbus A380 plane model will be a good choice. It showcases one of the Airbus A380's great engineering achievements and recreates its outstanding contribution to aviation history, allowing you to always remember and appreciate this iconic aircraft.
- Memorial Collection and Gifts: 1/160 large-scale Airbus airplane model is not only a precious work of art, but also a perfect gift for aviation enthusiasts. It allows you to share and recall the story and history of this aircraft with your relatives and friends, allowing you to appreciate the charm and legend of the A380 airlane. It can also stimulate your interest and exploration of aviation knowledge and technology.
- Purchase Without Worry: We insist on controlling the quality of this american airlines model plane product with strict production requirements to ensure that every customer is satisfied with the high quality product. If the plane model has any defects, please feel free to contact us, we will solve it for you within 24 hours. Thank you for your trust in our products!
What was known about the planned interior?
At the time of Airbus’s order announcement, the completion center had not been chosen. The later cancellation account says cabin design and installation did not proceed. That means claims that Alwaleed’s A380 had a Turkish bath, concert hall, garage, stable, golden throne, or other bespoke amenity should not be described as features of a built aircraft. The reviewed reporting does not substantiate those stories as completed fit-out details.
How large is an A380?
Airbus’s 2007 announcement gave the A380 551 square metres (5,930 square feet) of floor area and characterized that as 50% more floorspace than the largest aircraft at the time. The figure describes the aircraft type’s scale; it does not document the layout or finished interior of Alwaleed’s proposed cabin. Airbus’s order announcement is the source for the measurement.
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- Purpose & Use – Perfect for collectors, aviation enthusiasts, or as a display piece, this snap-fit model assembles quickly without glue and includes a sturdy display stand
- Perfect Size – At 1/200 scale, the model measures approximately 13 inches long with a 12 ½-inch wingspan—large enough to impress while fitting neatly on shelves or desks
- Quality Materials – Made from durable solid injection-molded plastic for long-lasting quality, smooth finishes, and detailed realism
- Brand Excellence – From SkyMarks by Daron, a trusted leader in collectible aircraft models, delivering officially licensed replicas that celebrate modern aviation design and engineering
What did Alwaleed say about flying privately?
In an interview published by Okaz on December 25, 2014, and later republished on his website, Alwaleed said his private jet carried an additional pilot when he wanted to make same-day trips. He said aviation rules would not permit one pilot to fly continuously for long hours; he also described sleeping aboard and spending much of the remaining time reading. These comments concern his private flying generally. The interview does not identify the aircraft as the proposed A380. The interview was republished on Alwaleed’s website.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Officially licensed by the airline
- Die cast metal with plastic parts
- Makes a great souvenir or gift
Rank #4
- High-quality die-cast metal airplane replica of the Emirates “Destination Dubai” A380, designed to be both a durable toy for imaginative play and a collectible display model for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
- Vibrantly colored and officially licensed toy, authentically decorated to match the special Emirates livery created for Dubai Expo 2020, featuring the striking orange, green, and blue color scheme along with the slogans ‘Destination Dubai’ and ‘Be Part of the Magic’ printed on each side, just like the real aircraft.
- Compatible with all Daron airplane playsets, making it a versatile addition to any existing airport scene or play environment, allowing kids to expand their aviation world with ease.
- Perfectly sized for young hands and collectors alike, this aircraft model is easy to handle, whether for active runway adventures or for display on a shelf as part of a growing airplane collection.
- Measures approximately 5 1/2 inches in length with a 6-inch wingspan, this replica accurately captures the scale and distinctive features of the real-life Emirates A380, specially designed for Dubai Expo 2020, and is recommended for children ages 3 and up.
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