Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the co-founders of Google, are two of the most recognizable names in the tech world. But what might surprise many is that these tech giants, who transformed the internet as we know it, have since turned their attention to a much more unexpected passion: aviation. Far from the digital realm that made them household names, Page and Brin have immersed themselves in the skies, building a remarkable collection of private planes, all while staying true to their innovative, boundary-pushing spirit.
From Google to Planes: A New Obsession Takes Flight
After stepping down from their active roles at Google, Larry Page and Sergey Brin didn’t simply rest on their laurels. Instead, they turned to their shared love of aviation. Their enthusiasm for flight soon evolved from hobby to full-scale investment, leading them to create a private fleet of aircraft. This wasn’t just a small indulgence; it became a passion project that would rival their previous achievements in the tech world.
In 2005, they made their first major acquisition: a Boeing 767-200, purchased for a staggering $15 million. It wasn’t just the plane itself that was noteworthy, but the extravagant way they customized it. The two billionaires poured an additional $10 million into personalizing the aircraft, ensuring every detail met their exacting standards. Their planes became a symbol of luxury and innovation, mirroring the culture they had fostered at Google.
Of course, as with all great partnerships, there were disagreements. One particularly amusing issue arose around the size of the beds in their planes, sparking a small dispute among the group. Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, who had joined the aviation venture with them, stepped in with a clever solution: each passenger would have their own private space. The problem was solved, leaving everyone to enjoy their airborne luxury in peace.
This attention to detail was not a one-off. The collection grew over the years, with the addition of a Boeing 757 in 2007 and two Gulfstream V jets, the latter chosen for their impressive range and fuel efficiency. After all, even the most passionate aviation enthusiasts can be pragmatic when it comes to performance.
Where Do You Park a Fleet of Planes?
With their growing collection of planes, storage soon became an issue. To solve this, Page, Brin, and Schmidt found a solution that was as extravagant as their taste in aircraft. In 2011, they purchased a Dornier Alpha Jet, a military aircraft, and with it, access to the famous Moffett Field Hangar One, an iconic structure once used by NASA. This gave them the perfect space to store their fleet—complete with ample room for their planes, as well as a rich history steeped in aviation.
But their ambitions didn’t stop there. With space at a premium near their home base of San Francisco, they launched an even more ambitious project: a private terminal at San José International Airport. The $82 million investment included hangars, a dedicated runway, and all the high-tech facilities needed to support their ever-expanding aviation operations. This bespoke terminal became a base for their flights, further cementing their commitment to aviation as a serious business venture.
The Next Chapter: Aiming to Revolutionize Flight
Beyond their impressive collection of planes, Page and Brin have set their sights on revolutionizing the aviation industry itself. Larry Page, in particular, has become involved in the development of Zee.Aero, a startup dedicated to creating a “flying car.” This venture aims to create a new form of air travel—think air taxis that could one day change the way we commute.
Meanwhile, Sergey Brin’s focus has been equally ambitious. He’s working on a massive, 120-meter-long electric airship that promises zero emissions—a nod to both his passion for aviation and his commitment to sustainable technology. In true Silicon Valley fashion, Page and Brin have brought the same level of innovation to the skies that they did to the internet. If their ventures succeed, we could be looking at a future where flying is as commonplace and accessible as driving.
Both of these projects reflect their drive to not just be part of an industry, but to shape it. Just as Google redefined how we search for information, Page and Brin seem determined to transform air travel, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
A Legacy of Innovation
Larry Page and Sergey Brin’s post-Google lives are a testament to their relentless curiosity and appetite for new challenges. Their journey from tech pioneers to aviation enthusiasts isn’t just a story of billionaires indulging in luxury; it’s a reflection of their deep commitment to innovation. Whether they are fine-tuning the interior of their private jets or reimagining the future of flight itself, these two visionaries are once again proving that the sky’s the limit.
For anyone who has followed their careers, it’s clear that Page and Brin are not content to simply ride the wave of past successes. Instead, they continue to innovate, bringing fresh ideas and bold projects into the world—this time, from the ground up to the clouds. And who knows? In the near future, we may all be boarding their flying cars or booking flights in their electric airships. If their track record is anything to go by, one thing is certain: whatever they do next will likely be as groundbreaking as their work with Google.