Putting an $8 Million Boeing 737 on a Credit Card

Airline credit cards are all the rave as many carriers transition frequent flier programs to spend-based models. According to The Seattle Times, Delta recently announced wide-sweeping changes to its SkyMiles program, requiring at least $35,000 to achieve Diamond Medallion status. Perhaps there’s no better way to get top-tier airline status in 2023 than just buying an airplane.

A recent Reddit post shed some light on what it takes to buy a 737. The iAero Thrust receipt – presumably from May of 2014 – indicates that the 737-400 variant was sold for $7.9 million. Delivered to Piedmont Airlines in 1989, N418US continues to fly for iAero Airways today.

Found a receipt for a Boeing 737 purchase at work today
byu/Met76 inaviation

Most notable about this receipt is that the nearly $8 million jet was purchased on an American Express card outright. The buyer spent $62,411 alone in processing fees. Just imagine the reward points that come with this transaction.

Buying a Commercial Airplane

One Redditor commented: “I love how it’s a tiny stub receipt on the paper that fades over time. Hopefully the AMEX has some good rewards points on it now!” It is likely that this would qualify the buyer for the exclusive American Express Centurion card, which reportedly requires up to $500,000 in annual spending, per Upgraded Points.

Commercial aircraft sales occur almost daily, between both manufacturers and airlines or third parties. Rarely are the specifics of these transactions made public, and few are likely as simple as a credit card swipe.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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