N908JE BOEING 727-31 — AIRCRAFT OWNERSHIP AND OPERATING RECORDS FAA Aircraft Registry / N-Number Inquiry — 1999-2019
The Boeing 727-31, FAA registration number N908JE, became the most publicly recognized aircraft in Jeffrey Epstein's fleet and one of the most notorious private aircraft in modern history, widely referred to in media coverage as the "Lolita Express."
FAA REGISTRATION HISTORY: FAA Aircraft Registry records document the Boeing 727's registration history under tail number N908JE. The aircraft, a Boeing 727-31 (manufacturer serial number 18891), was manufactured in 1969 and operated commercially before entering private service. Epstein acquired the aircraft in the late 1990s. The registered owner was listed as JEGE LLC, one of Epstein's corporate entities, with the mailing address corresponding to his New York offices. The aircraft was subsequently re-registered under other Epstein-controlled entities, including Hyperion Air Inc.
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS: The Boeing 727-31 is a narrow-body trijet originally configured for commercial airline service with a capacity of approximately 149 passengers in standard configuration. Epstein had the aircraft extensively modified for private use with a luxury interior configuration that dramatically reduced passenger capacity in favor of spacious cabin appointments. The refitted interior reportedly included a master bedroom suite, additional sleeping areas, a dining area, and general seating — a configuration consistent with long-range private travel accommodating a small number of passengers and crew.
OPERATING COSTS: Operating a Boeing 727 as a private aircraft entailed substantial costs that reflected both the aircraft's size and the complexity of trijet operations. Industry estimates for Boeing 727 private operation during the relevant period included: — Fuel consumption: Approximately 1,500-1,800 gallons per hour at cruise, generating fuel costs of $4,000-$7,000 per flight hour depending on fuel prices — Crew: A Boeing 727 requires a minimum flight crew of three — captain, first officer, and flight engineer — plus cabin crew, generating annual crew salary and benefits costs estimated at $500,000 or more — Maintenance and inspections: Airframe and engine maintenance for a trijet of this vintage required regular scheduled inspections, component overhauls, and engine maintenance, generating annual maintenance costs estimated at $1-2 million — Insurance, hangar, and fixed costs: Annual insurance, hangar fees, and other fixed operating costs estimated at $300,000-$500,000 Total estimated annual operating cost: $3-5 million or more depending on flight hours
FLIGHT LOGS AND PASSENGER RECORDS: Flight logs for N908JE, maintained by pilots including Captain Larry Visoski and co-pilot David Rodgers, documented flights between Epstein's properties — Teterboro Airport (New Jersey), Palm Beach International Airport, Cyril E. King Airport (St. Thomas, USVI), and various international destinations. These flight logs, subpoenaed in litigation and partially released through court proceedings, recorded passenger names and became a critical evidentiary resource. The logs documented hundreds of flights over approximately two decades, with passenger lists that included prominent individuals from politics, business, academia, and entertainment.
ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT: In addition to the Boeing 727, Epstein's fleet included a Gulfstream IV (tail number N120JE, later re-registered), a Cessna Citation, and at least one helicopter used for transportation between St. Thomas and Little St. James Island. The Gulfstream was used more frequently for shorter domestic flights, while the Boeing 727 was typically employed for longer routes, international travel, and flights requiring greater passenger capacity.
DISPOSITION: Following Epstein's death, the Boeing 727 and other aircraft became assets of his estate. The aircraft's notoriety, age, and maintenance requirements complicated its disposition as an estate asset.