John Travolta is a name synonymous with Hollywood stardom, but beyond the silver screen, he harbors a deep and enduring passion for aviation. This fascination isn’t just a casual hobby; it’s a lifelong love affair with flying machines that has seen him become a licensed pilot with an impressive collection of aircraft. From taking flying lessons at the young age of 15 to earning his first certification by 22, Travolta’s commitment to aviation is undeniable. As he eloquently stated to CBS News in 2008, “Aviation has always bailed me out of anything in my mind that is blue. I can look through an airline schedule or brochure and cheer up.” This sentiment resonates with aviation enthusiasts worldwide, highlighting the unique allure of flight.
Travolta’s dedication to the world of aviation is further solidified by his remarkable achievements. The Air & Space Museum recognizes him as holding eight jet licenses, encompassing iconic aircraft like the Boeing 747 and 707, alongside Gulfstreams, Hawkers, Learjets, and even classic jets like the British Vampire and Canadair CL-41 Tebuan. His contributions have been celebrated with numerous awards and induction into the Living Legends of Aviation. He’s even extended his passion to literature, authoring a storybook about a child’s first flight, and holds the distinguished title of Official Ambassador of Aviation. With such a profound connection to flight, it’s no wonder John Travolta’s plane ownership is a topic of considerable interest.
John Travolta’s Current Aircraft Fleet
Currently, John Travolta’s aircraft portfolio includes four planes registered in the United States, each offering a unique glimpse into his aviation tastes and requirements, according to JetSpy data.
Dassault Falcon 900: Registration N905FJ
| Length | 66 ft 4 in |
|---|---|
| Cabin volume | 1,218 cubic ft |
| Engines | 3 x Honeywell TFE |
| Range | 4,000 NM (with 8 pax) |
| Speed | Mach 0.84 – 0.87 |
| Cost per hour | $4,478 |
The Dassault Falcon 900, bearing registration N905FJ, is a tri-jet business aircraft that exemplifies luxury and performance. Built in 1986, this Falcon 900 offers a substantial range of 4,000 nautical miles, comfortably accommodating 12 to 14 passengers in a typical configuration. Its tri-jet design contributes to its popularity as a business jet, with a significant number of the 177 aircraft produced between 1986 and 1999 still operating in the USA. The Falcon 900 provides a blend of range, cabin space, and speed, making it a versatile choice for private and business travel.
Boeing 707-138: Registration N707JT
| Length | 134 ft 6 in |
|---|---|
| Crew | 3 |
| Max passengers | 189 |
| Engines | 4 x Pratt & Whitney JT3D |
| Range | 3,600 NM |
| Speed | Mach 0.73 – 0.8 |
Perhaps the most iconic aircraft in John Travolta’s collection is his Boeing 707-138, registered as N707JT. This classic jet, built in 1964, served as Travolta’s personal airliner for many years. Currently undergoing restoration, the Boeing 707 is destined for the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society’s (HARS) museum in Shellharbour, New South Wales, Australia. This particular model, the 707-138, was a unique variant created specifically for Qantas. Boeing shortened the standard 707 fuselage by 10 feet to meet Qantas’ requirements for extended range from its geographically isolated base, resulting in the designation 707-138, reflecting Qantas’ customer number ’38.’
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Image alt text: John Travolta’s Boeing 707-138B, previously owned by Qantas, on display.
The Boeing 707’s significance in aviation history and its unique Qantas heritage, combined with Travolta’s ownership, make it a truly special aircraft. Its restoration and planned journey to the HARS museum are eagerly anticipated by aviation enthusiasts globally.
Boeing 737-300: Registration N327JT
| Length | 109 ft 9 in |
|---|---|
| Max passengers | 149 |
| Engines | 2 x CFM56 |
| Range | 4,500 NM (4 pax) |
| Speed | Mach 0.64 – 0.74 |
| Cost per hour | $10,154 |
Travolta’s Boeing 737-300, registered as N327JT, is a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) conversion of a classic 737 airliner. Originally built in 1988, this aircraft had a long service history with airlines such as British Airways, Maersk Air, Germania, and Delta Air Lines, initially configured with 120 economy seats. However, after being acquired by Sands Aviation in 2007 and subsequently by Travolta in 2022, the 737 underwent a VIP conversion to become a luxurious Boeing Business Jet. Travolta obtained his license to pilot the 737 in March 2022, adding another significant aircraft type to his piloting credentials. This Boeing 737 BBJ provides Travolta with a larger capacity, long-range private jet option, blending airliner capability with bespoke luxury.
Boeing Business Jet 737-700NG Eclipse 500: Registration N500CE
| Length | 33 ft 6 in |
|---|---|
| Cabin volume | 109 cubic ft |
| Engines | 2 x Pratt & Whitney PW610F |
| Range | 574 NM |
| Speed | Mach 0.49 – 0.56 |
| Cost per hour | $968.73 |
The Eclipse 500, registration N500CE, is the most recent addition to John Travolta’s collection and represents the very light jet (VLJ) category. This compact jet, developed from the Williams V-Jet II, entered production in 2006 but was only manufactured until 2008. Despite its short production run, around 260 Eclipse 500s were built, including Travolta’s smallest jet. The Eclipse 500 was initially marketed at an attractive price point, but production costs and pricing strategies led to the company’s bankruptcy in 2008. Nonetheless, the Eclipse 500 remains a notable aircraft in Travolta’s fleet, offering an efficient and economical option for shorter flights.
Eclipse 500 on the runway
Image alt text: John Travolta’s Eclipse 500 very light jet on an airport runway.
John Travolta’s Aircraft History: Past Planes
Beyond his current fleet, John Travolta’s aviation history includes a variety of interesting aircraft. One of the most notable is the Lockheed Constellation, registration N494TW, affectionately known as the “Connie.” Travolta owned this classic propliner briefly in the mid-1980s. It was later acquired by Vern Raburn, who undertook its restoration, and it remains airworthy today, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Another historical aircraft in Travolta’s past is a Douglas DC-3 Dakota, registered N7500A, built in 1943. While the timeframe of his ownership is unclear, this DC-3 later gained a distinctive yellow livery. Sadly, it was irreparably damaged during Hurricane Wilma in 2005 at Opa Locka Airport, marking the end of its flying days.
Travolta’s ownership also extends to business jets beyond his current Falcon 900. In 1992, he faced a critical situation while flying his Gulfstream II when it experienced a complete electrical failure near Washington D.C. Demonstrating his piloting skills, Travolta safely landed the aircraft, averting a potential mid-air collision with a Boeing 727.
Further enriching his past aircraft portfolio, Travolta is known to have owned a Canadair CL41 Tutor jet trainer, which he generously donated to a university, and a Lockheed Jetstar, which he has since sold. In a 2013 interview with BJT, he mentioned owning a Bombardier Challenger 601, a Soko Galeb G-2 fighter jet, and even two ultralight aircraft, showcasing the breadth of his aviation interests.
John Travolta: The First Non-Test Pilot to Fly the Airbus A380
John Travolta’s long-standing relationship with Qantas, stemming from his Australian connections and his role as an ‘Ambassador-at-Large’ for the airline since 2002, led to an extraordinary opportunity. He was granted the rare privilege of flying the Airbus A380 during its early test phase, becoming, as he claims, the first non-test pilot to ever pilot the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
John travolta A380
Image alt text: John Travolta in the cockpit of an Airbus A380 during a test flight.
According to Travolta’s account in a 2013 interview with Business Jet Traveler, the Qantas chairman facilitated this unique experience. He flew as a co-pilot during a test flight and later shared his impressions at the Paris Air Show, describing the A380 as surprisingly “easy to fly but technically complicated.” Travolta also participated in Qantas’ A380 inaugural events, notably the Sydney to Dallas/Fort Worth route launch in 2008, where he embraced the Texan spirit with a cowboy hat and beard, alongside Matilda, the Qantas kangaroo mascot, also sporting a cowboy hat.
Jumbolair Aviation Estates: Living the Aviation Dream
For those familiar with John Travolta’s lifestyle, his residence in Ocala, Florida, within the Jumbolair Aviation Estates, is a key element of his aviation passion. Built in the 1990s, his estate, now valued at over $10 million, is situated within a unique fly-in community centered around Greystone Airport, a private airport featuring two runways. Travolta and his late wife, Kelly Preston, were pioneers in Jumbolair, being the first to build a home in this aviation-centric enclave.
An aerial view of John travolta
Image alt text: Aerial view of John Travolta’s house and airplanes at Jumbolair Aviation Estates.
Kelly Preston, in an interview with Hello Magazine, revealed that Travolta’s lifelong aspiration was to have his airplanes readily accessible at home. This vision became a reality at Jumbolair, allowing for seamless travel. Preston mentioned their frequent use of the airport and Travolta’s daily commutes by plane to movie sets in Tampa, highlighting the practical integration of aviation into their lifestyle.
The Boeing 707 Restoration and HARS Project
Travolta’s former Boeing 707-138B held a special place in his collection. Acquired initially through a rental agreement with Qantas and later gifted to him as part of his ambassador role, this aircraft was more than just a plane; it was a symbol of his connection to aviation and Australia. The former 150-seat Qantas jet was lavishly refurbished to accommodate just 15 guests, featuring bedrooms and a full-sized bathroom, transforming it into a luxurious flying home.
In 2017, Travolta generously donated his Boeing 707 to Australia’s Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS). However, returning the 57-year-old aircraft to Australia is a complex undertaking. Currently in Georgia, USA, the 707 requires significant restoration to become airworthy for the long journey to Shellharbour. HARS has invested nearly $1 million in restoration efforts and sent representatives to oversee the project. While an initial target of March 2024 for the ferry flight has passed, HARS remains committed to bringing the aircraft to Australia, with the promise that John Travolta will be at the controls for its final flight to its new home.
Beyond personal use, Travolta utilized his Boeing 707 for humanitarian missions. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he flew the jet to New Orleans carrying essential food and medical supplies. Similarly, after the Haiti earthquake in 2010, he operated a relief flight, transporting volunteers, supplies, and medical personnel, demonstrating his commitment to using his aviation resources for good.
John Travolta’s journey in aviation is a remarkable story of passion, skill, and dedication. From his early flying lessons to piloting a diverse range of aircraft, including the Airbus A380, and creating a home where airplanes are part of everyday life, Travolta’s love for flight is truly inspiring. His aircraft collection, both past and present, reflects not just his wealth but a lifelong commitment to the skies.
