I’ll admit, I’ve always dreamed of piloting a light aircraft—nothing too grand, just the thrill of takeoff and the hum of turbines overhead. So imagine my surprise when I learned that Google’s founders have traded in laptops for private jets, amassing a fleet that would make any aviation enthusiast swoon.
From Silicon Valley to the Skies
Larry Page and Sergey Brin didn’t stop at coding search algorithms—they turned their gaze skyward. In 2005, the duo, alongside former CEO Eric Schmidt, formed H211, a holding company dedicated to their aviation pursuits. Their first acquisition? A Boeing 767-200 for $15 million, later transformed into a flying palace with $10 million spent on custom interiors. It wasn’t just about space to stretch out; they insisted on private suites in the sky, settling a lighthearted debate over bed sizes once and for all.
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Over the next two years, their collection grew to include a Boeing 757 and two Gulfstream V jets—chosen for their balance of speed and fuel efficiency. As Schmidt, a licensed helicopter pilot, once quipped at a charity airshow, “Why settle for ordinary flights when you can explore the world in unparalleled comfort?”
Building a Private Aviation Empire
Storing such colossal aircraft posed its own challenge. With San Francisco’s hangars completely booked, the trio struck a deal with NASA to lease the iconic Hangar One at Moffett Field for 60 years. This cavernous space became home not only to their jets but also Schmidt’s Bell 206 helicopter, underscoring the team’s shared aviation passion.
Not content to rely on existing infrastructure, they unveiled plans in 2018 for an $82 million private terminal at San José Airport. Complete with bespoke hangars and its own runway extension, the facility was designed to ensure seamless operations, from refuelling to routine maintenance—an aviation playground for the ultra-wealthy.
Next Chapter: Reinventing Flight
Leaving Google’s helm freed Page and Brin to dive into aerospace innovation. Page invested in Zee.Aero, a stealth startup crafting a “flying car” for urban air taxis, while Brin backed Lighter than Air, developing a 120-metre electric airship for eco-friendly cargo transport. The Federal Aviation Administration notes that such ventures could revolutionise urban mobility, reducing emissions and easing ground-traffic woes.
As I mulled over these developments during a recent flight delay, it struck me that the same ingenuity which reshaped online search now drives fresh ideas aloft. Whether it’s cruising in a converted 767 or pioneering aerial electric vehicles, Google’s founders are proving that the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.
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Hi, I’m Brandon from the Decatur Metro team. I guide you through the trends and events reshaping our region.
