Inside Elevate Jet’s rare Boeing 757 private jet
May 8, 2026
Elevate Jet has added a rare VIP-configured Boeing 757-200 into its managed fleet, forming part of a niche corner of private aviation typically reserved for rock bands, professional sports teams, and heads of state.
The aircraft, acquired on behalf of a long-standing Elevate Jet client, is one of only a few VIP Boeing 757s operating in the United States.
Unlike conventional business jets designed for a dozen or so passengers, the aircraft can transport up to 50 travellers in a premium layout while maintaining the range, cargo capability, and operational flexibility of a commercial airliner.
A private jet on an airline scale
The VIP Boeing 757 occupies a unique segment between traditional executive jets and full commercial charter aircraft.
The largest long-range business jets from manufacturers such as Bombardier, Gulfstream Aerospace, and Dassault Aviation generally seat between 12 and 14 passengers, making the 757 better suited for larger entourages.
That scale has made VIP-configured 757s attractive to individuals and organisations that need to move large groups quickly while preserving privacy and schedule flexibility.
According to Airfleets data, the newly acquired aircraft 9H-AVM originally served as a private jet for Petrolair in 1989. It was sold to PrivatAir in 1998, where it remained in service until it was placed in storage in 2013. Jet Magic acquired the aircraft in 2014 and sold it to Windcraft Overseas in 2024.
“We were proud to be asked by our long-standing client to acquire this truly extraordinary VIP Boeing airliner, an aircraft we knew well with an impeccable pedigree,” said Greg Raiff, founder and CEO of Elevate Aviation Group.
“Like many of our music touring, professional sports, and governmental clients that absolutely have to arrive at their destinations on time, this unnamed client was looking for a solution to safely and efficiently transport up to 50 passengers at a time in a truly VIP fashion, with high-speed satellite WiFi and a cabin conducive to productive business meetings. Over my 35 years in aviation, I am still surprised by the lack of supply of these VIP airliners in the US private aviation market.”
VIP travel on the Boeing 757
Although commercial airlines are gradually phasing out the passenger version of the Boeing 757 from their fleets, the type retains a strong reputation for performance and versatility.
Introduced in the early 1980s, the narrowbody twinjet became known for its powerful engines, strong short-field performance, and transcontinental range. Airlines used the aircraft on everything from dense domestic trunk routes to transatlantic services.
Those same characteristics made the 757 attractive in government and VIP service.
The aircraft offers significantly more cabin space than traditional business jets while still allowing access to airports that larger widebody aircraft cannot easily serve. Its long range—about 3,900 to 4,100 nautical miles (4,500 to 4,700 miles or 7,200 to 7,600 kilometres) depending on the configuration—enables nonstop coast-to-coast or international flights for large groups.
Several high-profile operators have used VIP Boeing 757s over the years, including sports teams, entertainers, and government agencies.
Perhaps the most recognisable example is the US Air Force C-32A — a military VIP version of the Boeing 757-200 that operates under the call sign Air Force Two, transporting the Vice President as well as senior US diplomatic staff and the First Lady on official business.
A shrinking and exclusive private jet market
VIP-configured commercial aircraft are rare due to the cost and complexity of converting and operating them.
These aircraft require FAA Part 135 operational approval for charter activity, extensive maintenance support, and crews trained specifically for airline-class operations. Elevate Jet says only a handful of US operators are authorised to manage and operate aircraft in this category.
The company said the newly acquired Boeing 757 will not be available for public charter and is reserved exclusively for its client.
Why do some operators still prefer VIP airliners over business jets?
Most private jet operators focus on smaller ultra-long-range business jets rather than converted airliners. Still, for organisations moving dozens of passengers at once, airliners, like the VIP Boeing 757, fill a role few other aircraft can match.
For ultra-high-capacity missions, even flagship business jets such as the Gulfstream G700 or Bombardier Global 8000 cannot compete with the passenger capacity, baggage capacity, and cabin flexibility of a converted airliner.
That makes VIP airliners especially attractive for professional sports teams travelling with players, coaches, equipment, and staff; global concert tours moving performers and production teams between cities; government delegations requiring secure group transport; and corporate executives travelling together.
While large executive jets often define private aviation luxury, aircraft like the VIP Boeing 757 bring airline-scale capabilities to private jet travel.
Featured Image: Elevate Jet
