Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, recently flew to freedom on the same $40 million private jet that pop superstar Taylor Swift chartered earlier this year. Assange’s journey marks a significant moment in his long-standing legal battle, while Swift’s flight was a dash to support her boyfriend at the Super Bowl.

Key Takeaways

• Julian Assange flew from London to Saipan on a $40 million private jet, the same one Taylor Swift used earlier this year.
• Assange’s flight was part of a plea deal with the US, allowing him to leave the UK after five years in prison.
• Taylor Swift had previously chartered the same jet to rush from a concert in Japan to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas.

Assange’s Flight to Freedom

Julian Assange, 52, boarded a Bombardier Global 6000 executive jet, tail number 9H-VTD, from London to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. The flight, costing $500,000, was part of a plea deal with the US, allowing Assange to plead guilty to conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information. In exchange, he will be sentenced to time served, the 62 months he spent in a British prison.

The jet made a stopover in Bangkok for refueling before landing in Saipan. Assange was accompanied by a WikiLeaks lawyer, an Australian government representative, and a medic. Upon landing, he was due in federal court to finalize the plea deal.

Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl Dash

Earlier this year, Taylor Swift, 34, chartered the same Bombardier Global 6000 jet to rush from a concert in Tokyo to watch her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, play in the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. The jet, known for its luxurious amenities, can carry 14 passengers and sleep seven. Swift’s journey was closely followed by fans and media, adding to the jet’s fame.

A Shared Journey, Different Reasons

While both Assange and Swift used the same jet, their reasons were vastly different. Assange’s flight was a significant step in his legal battle, while Swift’s was a personal mission to support her boyfriend. The jet, capable of flying 13 hours over a range of 6,000 nautical miles, provided the perfect means for both high-profile journeys.

Public Reactions and Future Implications

Assange’s release and flight have sparked various reactions. His wife, Stella Assange, expressed immense gratitude to supporters, while also highlighting the role of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in securing his release. On the other hand, some critics have pointed out the contrasting treatment of other whistleblowers, such as former army lawyer David McBride.

As Assange returns to Australia, questions remain about his future activities and their potential impact on the political landscape. Meanwhile, the jet’s dual role in these high-profile journeys underscores the intersection of celebrity and international affairs.

Sources

• Taylor Swift, Julian Assange chartered the same private jet, New York Post.
• Julian Assange flies out of UK on $500,000 private jet after being freed in US plea deal | World News | Sky News, Sky News.
• Julian Assange got a hero’s welcome from the PM after hamming it up on a private jet with Kevin Rudd. It stinks of hypocrisy and being out of touch, writes PETER VAN ONSELEN | Daily Mail Online, Daily Mail Online.