Nike chairman and co-founder Phil Knight has taken the company's famous "Just Do It" slogan to extraordinary heights, literally embodying the phrase through his ownership of a spectacular Rs 600 crore private jet. This impressive aircraft is securely housed within a private hangar at Hillsboro Airport in Oregon, showcasing a level of luxury that matches the global sportswear giant's monumental success.
The Ultimate Private Aviation Statement
Phil Knight's journey toward this remarkable private aviation setup began back in 2014 when he made a strategic investment of approximately $7.6 million, equivalent to around Rs 70 crore, to acquire a substantial 29,000-square-foot parcel of land. Today, this prime property serves as the exclusive home for his state-of-the-art Gulfstream G650 jet, which proudly bears Nike's official logo, making it far more than just another private aircraft.
Aircraft Specifications and Capabilities
The Gulfstream G650 owned by Knight stands as one of the world's fastest private jets, featuring impressive technical specifications that justify its substantial value:
- Maximum range exceeding 8,000 miles for international travel flexibility
- Spacious cabin accommodating up to 18 passengers comfortably
- Fully customizable interior allowing for personalized luxury configurations
- Advanced avionics and performance capabilities for elite private aviation
From Corporate Asset to Personal Luxury
Interestingly, this particular aircraft was previously parked at Nike Inc.'s adjacent corporate jet hangar, where company executives had access to it alongside two other Nike-owned jets. The transition to Knight's personal ownership represents a fascinating evolution in how the world's 45th wealthiest individual, with a fortune exceeding $19.2 billion, manages his aviation assets.
Generous Access and Corporate Culture
Despite the jet's staggering value and personal nature, Phil Knight demonstrates remarkable generosity by occasionally allowing Nike employees to hitch rides on his private aircraft. This practice reflects both his substantial resources and his commitment to fostering a unique corporate culture that extends beyond conventional business boundaries.
Nike's Broader Aviation Portfolio
While Knight's personal Gulfstream G650 represents the pinnacle of private aviation luxury, it forms just one part of Nike's broader corporate aircraft collection. The company maintains additional aviation assets that support its global operations:
- Rare Air: Another Gulfstream G650 with a 7,000-mile range capability
- Nike's Air Force: A N72NC Gulfstream G650 serving corporate transportation needs
- Additional Aircraft: A N3546 Gulfstream GV completing the fleet
Celebrity and Athlete Utilization
Nike's impressive aircraft have become transportation of choice for numerous high-profile athletes associated with the brand. Basketball legend LeBron James and other elite sports professionals have been spotted utilizing these jets, creating enviable travel experiences that even top NBA players admire and appreciate.
Philanthropic Priorities Over Public Display
Despite possessing one of the world's most valuable private jets, Phil Knight and his wife Penny maintain a notably low profile regarding this extravagant possession. The self-made billionaire couple is better recognized for their substantial charitable contributions to academic institutions rather than for flaunting their considerable wealth through luxury displays.
The private hangar and custom jet, while technically designated for personal use, ultimately stand as powerful symbols of the global empire Knight has built through Nike. They represent not just personal luxury but the tangible results of entrepreneurial vision, strategic business development, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that has defined both the man and the brand he co-founded.
