There are few luxuries as impressive or as expensive as a private jet. I don't know about you guys, but when I hear that someone can afford to fly that way, that's when I know they've made it big. There's just something irresistibly appealing about the idea of jetting off on your own terms to fly wherever you like. Forget all the faff of airports; the baggage check-in, security and the tedious wait in the departure lounge. Once you're in the air you're welcome to let yourself be pampered and have plenty of space to stretch out your legs.
Private jets are exactly the kind of aspirational opulence that Instagram actively encourages, and is the basis for an entire well-greased industry of Instagram-famous models and photographers, who have managed to make an impressive living by showing off all the things we can't afford and they can. Maybe it's just because scenic views, delicious food and high-profile events usually come with an excruciatingly high price tag, but something about the image-sharing app seems to thrive upon rampant materialism. Long story short: if you want to look like you're someone special, you've to get a snap of yourself boarding a luxury jet.
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But if you can't manage to afford the lavish lifestyle that your Instagram followers might expect from you then don't worry: there's an alternative, even if it is a pretty sneaky and underhanded one. Your average private jet flight can easily cost over $20,000, and if it's a transatlantic flight then you can expect to fork over more than $100,000. You'll have a pretty impressive picture to share, but you'll have to take out a mortgage just to afford it.
The other option is to contact a certain Russian company, who will then go to the trouble of faking the whole thing for you. Their staging is so meticulous in fact that you might never noticed that some of those Instagram pics are as inauthentic as a green screen on the set of a Hollywood blockbuster. A Moscow-based firm named Private Jet Studio sells bespoke photoshoot to the highest bidder, so that Instagramers can look cool for less cash. Hiring out PJS will mean board the Gulfstream G650 private jet, at a price of only 14,000 roubles. That might sound like a hell of a lot, but it actually works out at around $244 including the personal photographer. That's still a lot of cash, but at least you aren't going to bankrupt yourself trying to make it big online.
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Yes, unfortunately you won't actually be allowed to go anywhere in the jet, and it'll stay completely grounded throughout the shoot, for obvious reasons. But the pictures are taken so professionally that it's likely that anyone checking out your Instagram snaps will be completely fooled, and will imagine that you really hard gliding off to some sunny location to indulge in further splendours. And don't worry about not looking your best come the big day; you can also hire an elite team of hair and makeup professionals who will strive to make you look tip-top for the high res pictures.
Private Jet Studios' official website states that "This is the biggest, fastest and most expensive business aviation aircraft. The luxurious interior of the aircraft is made of high-quality and natural materials. You can organise an unusual and unforgettable photo shooting for yourself and your customers, which they will never forget." They'll even be so good as to treat you to champagne and nibbles on board, and if you're the kind of blogger who pays due attention to their pets then don't worry: you can even bring your dog on board.
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The Gulfstream G650 is Gulfstream's largest, fastest and most expensive business jet, with a list price of $64.5 million. The G650ER is capable of flying 7,500 nautical miles (13,900 km; 8,600 mi) at Mach 0.85, and has a max speed of Mach 0.925. In 2014 it won the Collier Trophy, for having "strengthened business aviation through significant technological advancements in aircraft performance, cabin comfort, and safety." Pity that in this case it will never actually leave the runway. Oh well.
I guess it just goes to show that some bloggers will do just about anything to gain more exposure. This whole thing is a clever idea, but isn't it missing the point just a bit? If aspirational lifestyles really are all fake, and are being staged to such an extent, then is there really any point in striving for that lifestyle? Personally, I'd rather actually fly somewhere than pretend to fly in a jet for the public's benefit. But hey, that's just me.
