Celebrities of a certain status are known for reaching peak wealth when they can afford their own private plane. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is no different, and has reportedly ascended the economic mountain with his own $27 million jet, a Bombardier Challenger 650.
This luxurious plane he is said to have bought is decked out with cream leather seating and wood paneling. It can fit up to 12 passengers, and has a range of 4,000 nautical miles.
Not only does this allow the millionaire to traverse the globe as he pleases, it also includes his own personal style. On the tailplane, it has his famed “Dunkman” logo, representing his legacy and lovable personality.
Shaq’s Investment in a Bombardier Challenger 650
Part of what makes the private aircraft a significant purchase for Shaq relates to the previous stance he took in 2010, where he shared with Jetset magazine that he probably wouldn’t buy his own plane because of how much maintenance it needed, and of his fear of being taken advantage of in business dealings. But the 51-year-old has definitely since changed his tune, it seems.
After photos surfaced of the 7’1″ veteran baller in the jet, fans expressed concern online about him being too big for the aircraft.
“Big Shaq, you need Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with bigger seats. Plane too small for you” said one fan online.
“Too small for Shaq. Yeah, needs an Airbus A380,” another one expressed.
Shaq’s Empire
The lovable NBA star reportedly has a net worth of about $400 million, having made about $286 million as a player, with his business ventures helping build his wealth.
He once owned more than 155 Five Guys restaurants and 10 percent of the company. He is also on the board of directors at Papa John’s. Shaq’s Investments also include other food favorites like Auntie Anne’s and Krispy Kreme.
Then there’s Big Chicken, a fast-food chain founded by O’Neal in 2018. The chain is reportedly thriving. Nation’s Restaurant News named it one of the national chicken chains “poised to take flight.” According to the company’s website, the brand currently has sites open in Las Vegas, Glendale, California, on two Carnival Cruise Ships (Mardi Gras and Radiance), Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and UBS Arena in New York, with other locations under development. Earlier this year, the Texas-based company announced its goal is to open 150 locations across the U.S.
He’s also invested in smaller businesses like car washes and gyms, has shares in the Ring doorbell company, and has partnerships with Icy Hot and Gold Bond. It’s safe to say that with his extensively diverse financial portfolio, Shaq doesn’t miss a bag, and his private jet could in part be proof of that.
