Is Dangote’s Jet Really Worth $78 Million?

When Africa’s richest man decides to part with one of his prized assets, people naturally take notice. That’s exactly what’s happening as Aliko Dangote’s luxurious Bombardier Global 7500 hits the market with a price tag of up to $78 million. 

But what makes this jet so special, and is it really worth that kind of money?

Let’s dig in.

Jet built for power, status, and comfortDangote’s aircraft isn’t just any private jet. It’s a 2020 Bombardier Global 7500, widely regarded as one of the finest business jets ever made. 

It’s built for long-haul travel, ultra-luxury, and elite performance, with a range of more than 7,700 nautical miles and a top cruising speed close to Mach 0.93. For context, that’s enough range to fly nonstop from Lagos to Los Angeles.

With just 1,527 flight hours, this particular jet is practically new in aviation terms. It’s been meticulously maintained by Dangote’s team, stored in a private hangar, and operated under single ownership, all factors that add tremendous value on the resale market.

Inside the Cabin – Floating comfort at 40,000 feetThis isn’t just a jet; it’s a flying penthouse. The cabin seats up to 18 passengers in total comfort, with zones tailored for business, dining, and rest. 

A private stateroom, heated floors, and a built-in bidet are just a few of the high-end touches that make the interior feel less like a corporate tool and more like a luxury hotel suite.

For long-haul travelers or globe-trotting billionaires, these features aren’t just luxuries — they’re necessities. The aircraft’s SmartLink Plus connectivity ensures productivity doesn’t stop midair, while a fully equipped galley (complete with steam oven and warming drawer) allows gourmet meals to be served onboard.

A Strategic Move, Not a Sell-OffThis isn’t Dangote’s first time reshuffling his aviation portfolio. In 2023, he put another jet, a Bombardier Global Express XRS he bought in 2010 up for sale. 

It marked a gradual transition away from older models toward more efficient, cutting-edge aircraft.

This move aligns with a growing pattern among the ultra-wealthy: they’re no longer accumulating more luxury items, but refining what they own. For some, it’s about downsizing their footprint; for others, it’s about keeping only the very best. 

Dangote appears to fall into the latter camp, upgrading his private aviation game, not exiting it.

A Broader Nigerian Billionaire TrendDangote isn’t alone in his taste for top-tier jets. Other Nigerian billionaires like Folorunsho Alakija and Mike Adenuga also own Bombardier aircraft. These jets are no longer just status symbols; they’re strategic tools for mobility, access, and global business.

As wealth in Nigeria grows, especially among industrialists and oil magnates — so does the demand for private aviation that matches their ambitions. But even among that elite group, Dangote’s Global 7500 stands in a league of its own.

Is it really worth $78 Million?Yes, to the right buyer. For someone looking for a nearly-new, top-of-the-line business jet with the pedigree of being owned by Africa’s most successful industrialist, the price is justified. It’s not just about the jet’s specs, though those are impressive. 

It’s about owning a piece of modern aviation royalty, a blend of performance, comfort, and prestige.

To others, it may seem like an extravagant price for a mode of travel. But in the world of high-stakes business and billion-dollar decisions, this kind of aircraft isn’t just transportation,  it’s an extension of identity, influence, and empire.