As long as you follow the proper regulations for private jets, there is no reason why you couldn't buy and fly a 747. The oldest 747-8 is only ~8 years old. It's not that second hand ones aren't occasionally offered up for sale, but if you're restricting yourself to the -8, don't expect a lot of great deals.

Yes, you can buy your own Boeing 747, provided you have the significant capital required for both the purchase and the exorbitant operating costs. In early 2026, the market for "Queen of the Skies" is unique; while a brand-new 747-8 is essentially out of production for commercial use, the secondary market is active. You can find older models like the 747-SP or 747-400 listed for as "little" as $15 million for a well-maintained operational unit, often previously part of royal or government fleets. However, "buying" it is the easiest part. The real challenge is the cost of operation, which can exceed $25,000 per hour in fuel, maintenance, and specialized crew. Most private owners are nation-states or billionaires who convert them into "flying palaces." If you are looking for a project, some decommissioned 747 airframes are sold for under $500,000, though these are typically used for static displays, restaurants, or unique residential conversions rather than flight.