-
Boeing
- Stock Code:
- BA
- Date Founded:
- 1916-07-15
- CEO:
- Dave Calhoun
- Headquarters Location:
- Chicago, USA
- Key Product Lines:
- Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787
- Business Type:
- Planemaker
Music artists and bands often rely on private aviation for their fast jet-setting lifestyle. Private airplanes save much-needed time during busy schedules of tours and provide respite in between gigs by eliminating long queues, delays, and waiting time for regular commercial flights. And sometimes, when these jets wear interesting liveries, advertising the band's name, they also make a spectacular announcement of the artists' arrival in a particular city.
The Rolling Stones, too, have had multiple private flying experiences over the years. The first of these featured a Boeing 737, before the band then later opted for a much larger 767 for while on tour more recently.
Private luxury
From 2014 to 2015, the Rolling Stones' choice of aircraft was the Boeing 737-400, the first of which was hired from Greek leasing company GainJet. Meanwhile, the second came from Phoenix-based leasing company Swift Air.
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For their "No Filter Tour" in 2017, the band upgraded to the much larger Boeing 767-300ER, which, like the 737, carried the same livery of the group's trademark lips image and the band name. The aircraft was hired from the leasing company Aeronexus and, and bore the South African registration number ZS-NEX.
The 767 was a significant step up for the band in onboard luxury and space. The plane has 96 huge first-class seats and a comfy leather couch that could convert into a bed and was privately placed in the cabin's front.
The aircraft was often eagerly awaited and spotted by fans and aviation enthusiasts in various cities as the group flew around the world during their tour. Needless to say, the band's spectacle extended beyond their musical performances.
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Where is it now?
According to data from ATDB.aero, the 767 first entered service more than 32 years ago, back in August 1990. It did so with LOT Polish Airlines, flying under the registration SP-LPA. Over the years, LOT leased it to airlines such as Air New Zealand and Air Europe. After 24 years under LOT's ownership, it moved to Portuguese carrier EuroAtlantic Airways just over eight years ago, in August 2014.
In February 2016, the airplane was acquired by Aeronexus Corporation and later that year painted in the Rolling Stones livery for the band's "No Filter Tour." Since 2018, the 767 has featured the Globus Reisen Voyages livery and has made several stops around the world in the last year alone.
Indeed, data from FlightRadar24.com shows that its last flights took place yesterday, when the jet flew from London Stansted (STN) to Manchester Airport (MAN). After around three-and-a-half hours on the ground in northwest England, before journeying onwards to Chișinău International Airport (KIV) in Moldova.
Not the only famous 767
ZS-NEX isn't the only 767 to have high-profile owners. Canadian rapper Drake has his own Boeing 767-200ER for private transportation. Dubbed as "Air Drake," the jet is registered as N767CJ and features shiny gold detailing on the walls, a theatre room, fully-enclosed private suites, and velvet couches.
The aircraft is provided to Drake free of charge in a partnership with Cargojet, which covered it in its unique branding in an effort to get free publicity.
American billionaire Mark Cuban also once owned a 767, the most expensive aircraft in his private jet collection. Registered as N767MV, it was configured with 98 business class seats and was often hired out for high-end charters. The plane was also used at times to transport Cuban's NBA team, the Dallas Mavericks.
Have you ever seen a private jet being used by your favorite band? If so, which one(s)? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!