The BBC reports that an unnamed individual has ordered an Airbus 380, at a cost of about US$300 million, to be used as a private jet. Environmentalists are outraged.

I don’t quite see how an A380 is actually useful as a personal jet, because it won’t be able to land at too many airports. But I guess the main purpose of the Airbus 380 will be as a status symbol: “My private jet is bigger than yours”. Wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up mostly standing around.

When I was in Tolouse in 2004, we got a guided tour of the Airbus yards and they were working on completing a smaller Airbus for private use. I forget exactly what model it was, an A320 or A340. Either way, it was destined to become a birthday gift for one of the daughters of the Sultan of Brunei, if I remember correctly. That already seemed beyond reason.

I wouldn’t mind a private jet. But I’d want it to be able to land on small, tropical islands.