Chelsea Football Club has taken luxury travel to new heights during their 2025 pre-season tour, chartering a private Airbus A340-300 jet valued at approximately KSh 52.3 billion (£300 million) for their journey from Australia to Hong Kong.
The VVIP-configured aircraft features flat-bed seats, a stylish living area, and a dedicated crew of eight flight attendants, allowing players to rest fully between fixtures. The jet can carry up to 100 passengers and accommodate around 1,000 bags, cruising nonstop for up to 16 hours at speeds near 869 km/h.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is overseeing his first pre-season campaign, with the club providing top-tier resources to prepare the team. The squad's arrival in Hong Kong includes new signing Danny Welbeck and winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who recently returned from suspension.
Following their matches in Hong Kong, Chelsea will continue their tour with fixtures against Italian giants Juventus, AC Milan, and Johor Darul Ta'zim in Indonesia.
- Aircraft: Airbus A340-300, VVIP configuration
- Cost: Estimated KSh 52.3 billion (£300 million) value; charter cost for single flight around KSh 69.3 million (£400,000)
- Capacity: Up to 100 passengers, approx. 1,000 bags
- Features: Flat-bed seats, living area, eight flight attendants
- Tour stops: Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia
This lavish mode of travel underscores Chelsea's commitment to player comfort and readiness as they prepare for the upcoming season under Alonso's leadership.
