A Look Inside "Elvis Presley Airways": Where Did The King's Private Jets Go?

A Look Inside "Elvis Presley Airways": Where Did The King's Private Jets Go?

Few stars command as much attention as Elvis Presley. Beyond his legendary voice and unforgettable stage presence, the King of Rock and Roll was also known for his extravagant lifestyle—a lifestyle that included owning his own fleet of private jets, affectionately dubbed "Elvis Presley Airways."

These planes weren't just modes of transportation; they were symbols of his superstardom and luxury. More than four decades after his passing, what became of "Flying Graceland" and the rest of his iconic fleet?

Let’s dive into the fascinating story of the three aircraft that bore witness to the King's life on the road.

1. The Crown Jewel: The Lisa Marie (Convair 880)

Aircraft Type: Convair 880

Name: Lisa Marie, named after his only daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.

Current Status: On permanent display at Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee.

Elvis bought this Convair 880 in April 1975. He famously spent approximately $800,000 (far exceeding the plane's purchase price) to completely overhaul the cabin, transforming it into a "Flying Mansion" nicknamed "Flying Graceland" by his relatives.

Luxury in the Sky:

Opulent Interior: The cabin was customized with yellow, green, and gold finishes.

Full Amenities: It featured a master bedroom, a guest bedroom, a conference room, a lounge area, and two and a half bathrooms with gold fixtures.

Advanced Tech: It included a sky-to-ground phone (cutting-edge for the era!) and an 8-track quadraphonic stereo system.

Following Elvis’s death in 1977, the plane was eventually repurchased and became one of Graceland's most popular attractions, standing as a grand monument to his traveling life.

2. The Reliable Backup: The Hound Dog II (Lockheed JetStar)

Aircraft Type: Lockheed JetStar

Name: Hound Dog II, a nod to one of Elvis's biggest hits.

Current Status: On permanent display at Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee.

Elvis purchased this 10-seater executive business jet in September 1975 to serve as a secondary plane, mainly while the Lisa Marie underwent its extensive renovations. Though it required fewer major changes, Elvis still ensured the cabin was tailored to his opulent tastes, outfitting it with features similar to those on the Lisa Marie.

Like its larger counterpart, the Hound Dog II was sold by his family after his death but was later reacquired and now proudly sits next to the Lisa Marie at the Graceland complex, welcoming thousands of visitors annually.

3. The Desert Relic: The Lockheed JetStar N440RM

Aircraft Type: Lockheed JetStar

Current Status: Converted into a roadworthy Motorhome/RV and on tour.

This is the fleet's most intriguing and recently updated story. This third and final jet, purchased in 1976, featured the most dramatic interior with red velvet seating, shag carpets, and wood paneling. However, it was the least-used of his three aircraft.

After Elvis’s passing, the plane ended up in the New Mexico desert for storage, where it sat abandoned for nearly 40 years! As a result, its engines and many cockpit components were stripped away, leaving it an un-airworthy shell.

The Desert Jet’s Destiny: A New Life on the Road

Despite its dilapidated condition, the jet retained immense historical value. After several unsuccessful auction attempts, the plane was finally sold in 2023 for about $260,000 to James Webb (known online as Jimmy's World), a YouTuber and dedicated Elvis fan.

Webb’s goal was not to restore it to flight, but to transform the iconic shell into a giant, road-legal Motorhome (RV)! In an ambitious project, Webb cut off the wings and tail and mounted the fuselage onto a truck chassis.

The once-forgotten desert jet has been resurrected. It is now a certified, licensed vehicle scheduled to tour the country, bringing its authentic, flamboyant rock and roll interior directly to fans across America!

From the Lisa Marie and Hound Dog II standing as grand monuments, to the third jet now cruising down the highway as a unique RV, Elvis Presley's private fleet continues to tell a captivating story of the King's luxury, passions, and enduring legacy.

If you ever visit Graceland, you can step inside the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II to experience what it was like to fly like "The King." Who knows, you might even catch the third jet as it tours a city near you!