Key Facts
- ✓ On Monday alone, approximately 160 private jets arrived in Switzerland from over 40 countries, marking a significant spike in traffic for the World Economic Forum.
- ✓ The Gulfstream G650 was the most frequently tracked private jet model during the event, with 31 arriving on Monday and owners including Elon Musk and Bill Gates.
- ✓ Boeing Business Jets, which can cost up to $100 million, are rare but highly sought after for their spacious interiors, sometimes featuring on-board bars and multiple bedrooms.
- ✓ The newest Gulfstream G800 model, which began deliveries in August 2025, was on display and features cabin pressure that simulates an altitude of just 2,480 feet.
- ✓ U.S. President Donald Trump's planned aircraft, the VC-25A, experienced mechanical issues, forcing him to travel on a smaller Boeing C-32A instead.
- ✓ Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney flew a military version of the Airbus A330, completing a multi-stop journey that included Beijing and Doha before arriving in Zurich.
The Sky-High Gathering
The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos is not just a convergence of minds, but a spectacle of logistics and luxury. As the world's wealthiest and most powerful figures descended upon the Swiss Alps, a parallel fleet of aviation's finest machines touched down at nearby airports.
From Elon Musk's Gulfstream to government transports carrying heads of state, the skies over Switzerland became a temporary highway for the elite. Zurich Airport alone anticipated over 1,000 extra takeoffs and landings, a testament to the event's global draw.
Here is a closer look at the impressive aircraft that transported the world's elite to Davos this week.
The Gulfstream Dominance
Among the private jets, one model stood out for its sheer prevalence: the Gulfstream G650. On Monday alone, 31 of the 157 private jet arrivals were this specific model. It is a favorite among billionaires and corporate leaders alike, with data showing planes belonging to Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and financial giants like Blackstone and JPMorgan Chase.
Known for its distinctive large, circular windows, the G650 offers unparalleled views of the landscape below. The interior configuration varies based on the owner's needs, though high-end options often include double beds and on-board showers for solo travelers.
For those seeking the absolute latest in aviation technology, the brand-new Gulfstream G800 also made an appearance. Delivered for the first time just last August, these jets are still rare sights.
"Those beautiful sunglasses. What the hell happened?"
— Donald Trump, U.S. President
The Giants of the Sky
While the Gulfstream is a staple of private aviation, the most awe-striking arrivals were the Boeing 737 business jets. These are essentially commercial airliners converted for private use, offering space that dwarfs standard business jets. A Boeing Business Jet version of the 737 Max costs about $100 million to purchase.
Flight-tracking data revealed several of these giants arriving from Dubai. One landed in Zurich, while another touched down in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Governments also utilize the 737 for transporting political leaders; planes belonging to the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands were spotted in Switzerland.
Due to their expansive size, these jets are highly customizable. While some are laid out like traditional airliners, others feature luxury amenities.
Business Insider toured a similar plane in 2024 that featured an on-board bar, two double bedrooms, and two showers.
European Elegance & Government Transport
The French government delegation arrived in style, matching the sartorial flair of President Emmanuel Macron. Two French government jets—a Dassault Falcon 7X and a smaller Falcon 900—flew to Zurich from an air base near Paris on Tuesday morning.
The Dassault family of jets was well-represented throughout the week. A Dassault Falcon 8X arrived from Scottsdale, Arizona, while the smaller Falcon 2000 was even more popular among attendees. These jets are prized for their performance and luxury, with the Falcon 8X costing roughly $60 million to buy new.
Other notable government arrivals included:
- A Boeing C-32A for U.S. President Donald Trump
- A military Airbus A330 for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
- An Azerbaijani private jet and an Argentine Boeing 757
The Presidential Arrival
The arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted the complexities of presidential travel. The President was originally scheduled to fly aboard the Boeing VC-25A, the militarized version of the 747 known as Air Force One. However, mechanical issues forced a U-turn 30 minutes into the journey.
Instead, he flew on a Boeing C-32A, a smaller aircraft typically used as Air Force Two. Despite the change in aircraft, the plane was still designated as Air Force One while the President was on board.
Upon landing in Zurich, the final leg of the journey to Davos was completed via helicopter. A convoy of at least five Sikorsky VH-60N White Hawk helicopters, known as Marine One, ferried the President and his team through the Alpine landscape, a journey that took approximately 40 minutes.
A Fleet of Power
The aircraft gathered in Switzerland this week were more than just transportation; they were mobile extensions of the power and influence of their owners. From the Bombardier Global 7500—dubbed the "Ferrari of the Skies" and owned by billionaires like Robert F. Smith—to the modified 747s of world leaders, each plane tells a story of status and capability.
As the World Economic Forum concluded and the global elite departed, the skies over Switzerland returned to normal. However, the sheer scale and variety of the aviation fleet deployed for the event serve as a vivid reminder of the resources required to bring the world's decision-makers together.
