Jet Tycoon Amasses $1.5 Billion Fortune on Air Travel Spikes

Gediminas ZiemelisPhotographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

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By Alexander Sazonov and Leen Al-Rashdan

October 16, 2025 at 4:00 AM UTC

Updated on

October 16, 2025 at 12:42 PM UTC

When Boeing Co. was navigating one of its most difficult periods last year, a relatively unknown plane buyer gave the manufacturer a much needed shot of relief.

A deal for up to 80 narrowbody jets came shortly after a prolonged strike at one of the US firm’s key factories. And just months earlier, a mid-air panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines had reignited scrutiny of the firm’s manufacturing practices after fatal accidents.