Larry Page and Sergey Brin revolutionized the tech world with Google, but today, they’re focused on something completely different: collecting giant airplanes. From transforming the digital landscape to now reaching for the skies, their journey into aviation is just as exciting as their tech success.
From Google to Giant Airplanes
Larry Page and Sergey Brin are names that are synonymous with innovation and technology. As co-founders of Google, they revolutionized the way we interact with the internet. But today, these two Silicon Valley legends are no longer just known for their groundbreaking work in the tech world—they’ve also become major players in a surprising field: aviation.
After building Google into a global powerhouse, Page and Brin shifted their focus to a completely different passion—collecting private jets and airplanes. What began as a personal interest has now transformed into an extensive collection that rivals some of the most prestigious in the world of aviation. From luxurious private jets to rare aircraft, their fleet is just as impressive as their tech empire.
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Their Unexpected Aviation Venture
Larry Page and Sergey Brin’s fascination with aviation has led them to make some extravagant purchases. Their first big acquisition came in 2005, when they purchased a Boeing 767-200 for a staggering $15 million. This was just the beginning. To ensure their new planes met their exacting standards, they invested an additional $10 million to outfit the aircraft with custom, luxurious interiors.
While many might imagine billionaires lounging in the lap of luxury aboard their private jets, the disagreements over the size of the beds aboard their planes tell a different story. When tensions arose over cabin space, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt suggested a creative solution: each passenger would have their own private area, eliminating the need for further disputes. It’s certainly a rich people problem, but it’s also a testament to their attention to detail and desire for perfection in every aspect of their lives.
The duo’s passion for aviation only deepened over the years. By 2007, they had expanded their fleet to include a Boeing 757 and two Gulfstream V jets, which are known for being more economical while still offering incredible performance. Even with their immense wealth, they remained practical in their choices—after all, who says you can’t be passionate about aviation and pragmatic at the same time?
Where Do You Park All Those Planes?
As their collection grew, finding suitable places to store their impressive fleet became a bit of a challenge, especially near their home base of San Francisco. In 2011, they solved this problem by acquiring a Dornier Alpha Jet, a two-seat military aircraft, and using it to gain access to Hangar One at Moffett Field. This legendary hangar, owned by NASA, allowed them to store their planes in style, and they even secured a 60-year lease for the space.
However, the trio didn’t stop there. They embarked on an even bolder project—a private airport terminal at San José, complete with hangars and a dedicated runway. The $82 million investment would give them the space they needed for their growing collection, while also providing a more exclusive and private experience for their flying needs.
Eric Schmidt, the third member of the Google founding team, shares their passion for aviation. He’s not just a tech visionary but also a private jet and helicopter pilot. His personal Bell 206 helicopter, parked at Moffett Field, is a reflection of his own love for flying.
New Projects and Ambitions in the Skies
After stepping down from their leadership roles at Google, both Larry Page and Sergey Brin decided to devote their time and energy to their aviation dreams. Larry has shown support for Zee.Aero, a startup focused on creating a flying car for air taxis—an ambitious project that could change the way we think about urban transport.
Meanwhile, Sergey Brin is working on an equally impressive project: a 120-meter long electric airship designed to be a zero-emission transport vehicle. Like their previous ventures, they are committed to disrupting the industry and redefining what it means to travel through the air. Their aspirations to revolutionize the aviation industry could very well be the next big shift they bring to the world, much like they did with the digital space.
From transforming the internet to now aiming to transform the skies, Larry Page and Sergey Brin’s relentless pursuit of innovation continues to take them into new and unexpected realms. Their collection of planes is just the beginning, and it’s clear that these two pioneers are only just getting started when it comes to their aviation dreams.
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Hi, I’m Brandon from the Decatur Metro team. I guide you through the trends and events reshaping our region.
