John Travolta celebrated his 72nd birthday on February 18 by adding a new pilot license for the Bombardier Global Express to his collection. The actor shared the achievement on Instagram, showcasing his skills flying this long-range, luxurious business jet.
As a passionate aviator, Travolta has been licensed to fly aircraft since the age of 22. This latest endorsement, the Global Express SIC (Second-in-Command) license, expands his extensive aviation credentials.
Travolta’s Aviation Experience and Aircraft Credentials
The Bombardier Global Express is a spacious, long-distance business aircraft crafted by Bombardier Aviation, capable of traveling nearly 7,900 nautical miles nonstop. Travolta’s love for flying has led him to earn multiple pilot’s licenses, including those for commercial jets such as the Boeing 747, 707, and 737.
In the video he posted, Travolta pilots the Global Express and announces,
“I just accomplished my license in the Global Express SIC.”
Later, he shows viewers the plane’s sleek interior and adds,
“So this is the Global Express. Take a look,”
before concluding with, “Congratulations to me.”
He captioned the clip,
“It’s my birthday today! And I’m very proud to say I got my license in the Global Express! Thank you for all my birthday wishes!”
Previous Milestones and Aviation Beginnings
Travolta’s aviation journey began in his youth. A photo he shared on Instagram recalled his teenage years and the aviation class he took, sparking what he calls his “second career.” He wrote,
“Throwback Thursday: When I was 15 years old, my school offered an aviation class which started my second career.”
His dedication to flying continued into adulthood, as shown when he earned his Boeing 737 license in 2022, describing it as
“a very proud moment in my aviation history.”
He had also previously noted on Instagram,
“To add to my 747 and 707 licenses, I just received my 737 license. And it went very well, so just sharing my moment with you.”
Travolta frequently shares flying-related content on social media, including videos of himself piloting various aircraft. In a 2020 video, he expressed excitement about flying again, saying,
“It’s always exciting to get back in the air again so here I am celebrating,”
followed by a spirited “Yeehaw!” as he showed the scenic view from the cockpit.
Family and Personal Aviation Connections
John Travolta’s late wife, Kelly Preston, spoke about their shared passion for aviation in a 2018 interview. She described their home in Ocala, Florida, which features a runway and planes parked out front. She said,
“He’s had his license for almost 30 years,”
and praised his calm and capable flying, adding,
“I never get nervous when John’s piloting because he’s calm in any situation and can handle the pressure. He’s flown us all over the world – Russia, South Africa, Australia, Tahiti, the UK, the U.S., and the Far East.”
Travolta’s Impact on Aviation and Future Prospects
As an ambassador for Qantas Airways since 2002 and a highly experienced pilot, John Travolta continues to inspire aviation enthusiasts worldwide. His expanding collection of pilot licenses, including his most recent achievement with the Bombardier Global Express, highlights his lifelong commitment to flight.
With this new milestone marking his 72nd birthday, Travolta’s future aviation endeavors remain highly anticipated by fans and the flying community alike, reflecting his ongoing dedication to mastering new aircraft and maintaining his impressive flying career.
