The football star has reportedly put one of his Gulfstream aircraft on the market.
The first to arrive at training and the last to leave, Cristiano Ronaldo always goes the extra mile to keep on top of his game. This mentality translates across the footballer's life. As one of the world's most famous and highest-paid athletes, it is perhaps unsurprising that he has utilized two private jets over the years, although one has just gone on sale. Let's take a closer look at the nature of these aircraft.
The 37-year-old is currently playing for Manchester United, the club where he made his name in the mid to late 2000s. Off the pitch, you may remember last year that the Portugal international was also involved in a Coca-Cola snub at a press conference. His impact on society is so broad, that his declaration of choosing water over the soft drink reportedly cost the brand an estimated $4 billion.
With such a prominent presence across the globe and a net worth of around $500 million, Ronaldo requires adequate privacy as he continues to fly from city to city for work. As such, one of his vessels of choice for such journeys is a Gulfstream G200. Formerly known as the IAI Galaxy, it bears the registration EC-KBC.
According to Aviapages, this super-midsize class jet can fit up to 10 passengers with a cabin width of 2.19 m and length of 7.44 m. There are three divan seats, three beds, and of course, a lavatory. The aircraft was produced with serial number 145 in 2006, but it was refurbished in 2019.
Along with an electric oven, there is a refrigerator, satellite phone, entertainment system, fax machine, and microwave on the aircraft. All this allows him, his partner Georgina Rodriguez, and his children, to keep occupied while onboard.
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250 units of the G200 were made between 1997 and 2011. The aircraft has a top speed of 560 mph (900 km/h), and cruises at 528 mph (850 km/h). It can also reach a range of up to 3,400 NM (6,300 km) with four passengers and two flight crew members onboard. These specs allow Ronaldo to jet between cities seamlessly.
As capable as the G200 is, however, it now seems that Ronaldo has other plans for the aircraft. Indeed, according to The Market Herald, he has put the jet, which he first acquired in 2015, on sale, allegedly looking to obtain a bigger and better aircraft. Interestingly, the publication notes that, when not being used by Ronald, EC-KBC is rented out at a cost of €6,000 – €10,000 per hour.
As it happens, the G200 isn’t the only Gulfstream jet that Ronaldo has chosen to hit the skies in. Indeed, during a tour of Asia in the spring of 2019, he hopped around in the G650, a model worth approximately a whopping $65 million!
This type can carry up to 18 passengers and has an impressive range of up to 7,000 NM (12,964 km). It is also one of the fastest business jets, with a high-speed cruise of up to 594 mph (956 km/h). As such, however Ronaldo chooses to fly, he does so with class. It will be interesting to see what comes of the reported sale of his G200, and which aircraft is ultimately brought in as a replacement.
What are your thoughts about Cristiano Ronaldo’s private jets? Have you ever seen either of them on your travels? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Sources: Aviapages, The Market Herald
Deputy Editor – Sumit comes to Simple Flying with more than eight years’ experience as a professional journalist. Having written for The Independent, Evening Standard, and others, his role here allows him to explore his enthusiasm for aviation and travel. Having built strong relationships with Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Aeroflot, and more, Sumit excels in both aviation history and market analysis. Based in London, UK.
Journalist – A graduate in German, Jake has a passion for aviation history, and enjoys sampling new carriers and aircraft even if doing so demands an unorthodox itinerary. A keen amateur photographer, he also recently reached the milestone of flying his 100th sector as a passenger. Based in Norwich, UK.