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Pimp My Airbus A380

Billionaire Saudi prince plans to transform world's largest jet into flying palace

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 13, 2007 10:10 AM CST

(Newser) – A billionaire Saudi prince plans to convert one of the world's largest passenger planes into a flying palace. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is the first purchaser of the luxury version of the double-decker Airbus A380, price tag $320 million-plus. And that's before he tricks it out with amenities that may include private bedrooms, dining rooms, conference rooms, a screening room, and a gym with a Jacuzzi, CNN reports from the Dubai Air Show.

Bin Talal, the 13th-wealthiest person in the world and the largest individual shareholder in Citigroup, is already the only private owner of a Boeing 747-400. "It's like buying a new car or a new TV. One wants something bigger and better," said an Airbus spokesman. The company expects to sell at least six more of the luxury versions of the A380, which can otherwise accommodate 853 passengers in 6,000 square feet.

[Images (4)]

[Videos (1)]

The Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger plane, parked at Pierre Trudeau Airport in Montreal Monday, Nov. 12, 2007. (Associated Press)

Pricnce Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, center, chairman of Kingdom Holding company of Saudi Arabia, signs for an Airbus A380 for his personal use, with Tom Enders, sitting left, President and... (Associated Press)

One month after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal of Saudi Arabia, right, is escorted by then-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani at the site of the former towers in... (Associated Press)

An Airbus A380 performs flying display as it passes behind the minaret of Rashediya mosque during the 3rd day of 10th Dubai Airshow in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Kamran... (Associated Press)

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