Blue Suede Skies: 4 Fascinating Facts About Elvis' Luxury Convair 880 Jet

Blue Suede Skies: 4 Fascinating Facts About Elvis' Luxury Convair 880 Jet - The King Takes Flight

Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, was also the king of the skies in his customised Convair 880 jet, nicknamed "Hound Dog One." Though Elvis cultivated an image as a simple country boy, he indulged in many luxuries, including his own private jetliner to ferry him between concert dates and Las Vegas shows. Far from Graceland and miles above middle America, Elvis and his entourage travelled in high style across the USA.

Elvis’ passion for aviation started early. As a poor boy in Tupelo, Mississippi he would gaze up at planes and dream of faraway places. Later Elvis took flying lessons, learning to pilot small aircraft. But it was the 1960 purchase of his Convair 880 that truly allowed Elvis to indulge his love of aviation.

Elvis worked closely with a Dallas-based company to customise the jetliner for his needs. The spacious 40-seat interior was transformed into a flying mansion, with a lounge, conference room, sealed bedroom and bathroom. Elvis had a habit of gifting planes to friends and family, so the 880 was designed for ease of maintenance and swapping out interior furnishings.

What truly set Elvis’ 880 apart was its distinctive and unmistakable livery. The exterior was painted red, white and blue, with “Hound Dog One” boldly emblazoned on the fuselage and tail. The vibrant paint job ensured Elvis made an eye-catching arrival at every airport.

The 880 provided Elvis speed, range and comfort no prop plane could match. Powered by four rear-mounted turbojet engines, it had a cruising speed of 565 mph and range up to 4,000 miles, ideal for Elvis' extensive North American tours.

For Elvis, the 880 was more than transportation, it was an escape and a sanctuary. At 30,000 feet he could relax and unwind, away from the pressures of his celebrity. Though crowded with staff, friends and family, the 880 gave Elvis a rare bit of privacy. The bedroom let him sleep soundly, recharging for his next frantic round of concerts, TV appearances and movie shoots.

Blue Suede Skies: 4 Fascinating Facts About Elvis' Luxury Convair 880 Jet - Inside Elvis' "Hound Dog One"

Step inside Elvis Presley's luxurious personal jetliner, "Hound Dog One," and experience the height of aviation opulence in the 1960s. While Elvis cultivated a down-home, working class image, his private Convair 880 revealed his indulgent side, sparing no expense for comfort. Though designed to accommodate 40 passengers, Elvis gutted the interior to create a lavish personal refuge, closer to a flying penthouse than an airliner.

Everything Elvis required was onboard, from a well-stocked bar and galley, to space for conferences and recreation. The lounge provided comfortable seating for Elvis and his entourage to relax, play cards, or watch movies on a projection screen. A long sofa lined one side, with a wet bar and refrigerator stocked with Elvis’ favorite refreshments close at hand. The custom oval conference table seated 14, ideal for business meetings or late night poker games.

Elvis’ private suite was designed for rest and privacy. A full-size bed let the King catch up on sleep between his frenetic concert schedule and acting gigs. With its own bathroom and dressing area, the suite kept Elvis secluded from the rest of the plane. Not even his bodyguards could enter without Elvis’ permission. Soft music played to help Elvis unwind as he gazed out the window at the clouds.

While the bedroom cocooned Elvis, the rest of the jet bustled with activity. The seating area up front was a social center, where Elvis conversed with friends, played guitar, or shared stories with his many guests. Aft of the lounge was the conference room, where Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker held court.

The galley served up Elvis’ favorite comfort foods, everything from meatloaf, mashed potatoes and fried chicken, to peanut butter and banana sandwiches. The bar stayed well-stocked with Elvis’ preferred liquor and soda. Attendants ensured Elvis’ every need was met inflight.

Elvis spared no expense outfitting his home among the clouds. Deep pile carpeting, wood veneer, brass fittings, and padded vinyl gave the jet a luxurious feel. No detail was overlooked, right down to the “Hound Dog One” matches and napkins. While Spartan aluminum benches were the norm for airliners of the day, Elvis opted for spacious, comfortable swiveling recliners.

For all its opulence, the 880 had a practical side as well. Maintenance panels in the floor allowed quick access for swapping out furniture and decor. The airliner’s spacious interior let Elvis modify it over the years to keep pace with styles and suit his changing tastes. Whether he desired psychedelic fabrics or a conference room one month, a disco dance floor or more sofa seating the next, the 880 adapted.

Blue Suede Skies: 4 Fascinating Facts About Elvis' Luxury Convair 880 Jet - A Lavish Interior Fit for a Star

Elvis spared no expense creating a luxurious, customized interior for his private jetliner. While air travel in the 1960s was still a spartan experience of cramped benches and cold metal walls, Elvis sought to elevate his inflight experience. The redesigned interior of “Hound Dog One” rivaled the opulence and comfort of the most extravagant hotel suite.

Upon entry into the main lounge, plush royal blue carpeting cushioned every footstep, complementing the rich wood veneer paneling on the walls. Sunken circular seating areas reminiscent of Las Vegas lounges invited relaxation, the deep cushions covered in the finest white leather. For Elvis and his entourage, gone were the stiff metal benches of a typical airliner cabin. Swiveling recliners provided inflight comfort, allowing Elvis’ guests to unwind.

No detail escaped Elvis’ discerning eye, right down to the “Hound Dog One” matchbooks and napkins laid out on the wet bar. Attendants ensured Elvis’ preferred liquors remained well-stocked in the bar at all times. Beyond basic cocktails, Elvis had a taste for exotica, insisting on Blue Hawaiian and mai tais garnished with colorful umbrellas on long flights.

The aircraft’s galley catered to Elvis’ palette, providing his favorite comfort foods prepared exactly how he liked. Hand-breaded fried chicken, mashed potatoes just like his mama’s, and grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches satisfied Elvis’ cravings even at altitude.

Elvis’ custom oval conference table occupied the center section of the aircraft. With room for fourteen, it facilitated everything from business meetings to late-night poker games. The wood grain tabletop perfectly matched the wall panels, its oval shape ideal for conversation. Executive-style swivel chairs provided comfort during lengthy sessions.

Far from the bustle of the lounge and galley, Elvis’ own private suite cocooned him in luxury. A full-sized bed with satin sheets welcomed the King for inflight slumber, the soft music system gently lulling him to sleep. With en-suite bathroom and dressing area, the suite ensured Elvis complete privacy to relax and recharge between his hectic performing schedule.

Not just sumptuous, Elvis insisted his jet be flexible, allowing periodic interior reconfigurations. Maintenance panels built into the floor provided easy access for swapping out furnishing and decor elements. If psychedelic patterns felt dated and Elvis desired a more modern look, the 880 adapted. One month a conversation pit, the next a conference room or dance floor, the jet transformed itself to match Elvis’ tastes. The 880 grew with Elvis, keeping his inflight experience exciting even after years of extended tours.

Blue Suede Skies: 4 Fascinating Facts About Elvis' Luxury Convair 880 Jet - A Unique Livery That Stood Out in the Skies

Elvis knew how to make an entrance. From his flamboyant stage costumes to his pink Cadillacs, he cultivated a larger-than-life image that ensured all eyes were on him. This sense of showmanship extended to his private jetliner as well. While most VIPs discreetly slipped in and out of airports, Elvis plastered his name and likeness all over his Convair 880 for maximum impact.

Christened “Hound Dog One,” Elvis’ jet sported a custom red, white and blue paint scheme reminiscent of the American flag. The vibrant livery made the jet instantly recognizable on the tarmac. Near the nose cone and along the fuselage ran Elvis’ name in towering block letters. A cartoon likeness of Elvis in his trademark sunglasses adorned the tail, along with “Hound Dog One” in a jaunty, handwritten script.

This was no drab military gray executive jet. Elvis dared to be different, unafraid to announce himself in the most ostentatious way possible. While he kept a low profile onboard, insisting on privacy to rest and recharge, the jet’s exterior trumpeted Elvis’ arrival.

As soon as Elvis pulled up to the terminal in one of his pink Cadillacs, all eyes were on that big red jet with his name down the side. When Elvis strode across the tarmac and disappeared up the stairs into his flying mansion, fans knew The King had arrived.

Other stars stuck to generic markings, but for Elvis travel was part of the spectacle. He well understood the power of illusion, and the jet played its part magnificently. Stepping out of his limo, striding across the ramp with cape flowing, then vanishing into his private sanctuary 30,000 feet above middle America, the jet let Elvis retain an aura of mystery.

Fans only glimpsed Elvis briefly before he disappeared into the airplane, leaving them to dream about what delights and decadence awaited him onboard. Elvis’ over-the-top exterior ensured his arrival generated maximum anticipation and excitement.

Yet the livery was more than just showmanship. Elvis was proud of his aviation roots, coming from modest means in Tupelo. He’d achieved his dream of flight, and now owned a private luxury airliner. The livery celebrated this monumental accomplishment.

The jet also provided invaluable publicity as Elvis toured the country. On airport aprons from Dallas to Denver to Seattle, “Hound Dog One” engraved Elvis’ name in the public consciousness. The livery ensured media coverage every time Elvis flew. It cemented his status as a superstar with the means to travel private and in style.

Elvis recognized early on the importance of image. From his hip shaking and ducktail haircuts, to his sequined jumpsuits and capes, he crafted a look all his own. The Convair livery extended this cultivated image to the skies.

While owned by Elvis, no other plane would bear his flamboyant touches and flashy style. “Hound Dog One” uniquely captured a moment in time when private jets were still a novelty, and Elvis could fly highest in the public imagination.

Blue Suede Skies: 4 Fascinating Facts About Elvis' Luxury Convair 880 Jet - Speed and Range to Spare

For a man forever on the move like Elvis, the Convair 880’s ample speed and range proved invaluable. While smaller business jets allowed more personalized luxury, they lacked the capacity to keep pace with Elvis’ hectic touring schedule. Only an airliner like the 880 provided the right mix of comfort, flexibility and performance.

Despite the spacious interior layout, the 880 retained the speed and range of a dedicated airliner. Its four rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney jet engines produced over 13,500 pounds of thrust each, propelling the jet up to 565 miles per hour. This substantially reduced Elvis’ travel time between concert dates compared to slower prop planes. The 880’s cruise height of 35,000 feet also ensured a smooth ride above turbulence and weather.

With a range approaching 4,000 miles, the 880 eliminated the need for refueling stops during Elvis’ extensive North American tours. Nonstop flights were crucial to maximizing Elvis’ rest onboard between performances in cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York. The fewer stops, the less disruption to his vital inflight down time.

The 880’s impressive performance even allowed Elvis to schedule concert dates in Hawaii and Canada. Most private aircraft of the era lacked the legs to reach Hawaii nonstop from the mainland. But the 880 crossed the Pacific with ease, letting Elvis broaden his tours beyond the continental United States.

One account recalls Elvis relaxing in his suite as the 880 sped over the Rocky Mountains at 500 mph. Far below snow-capped peaks melted into high desert, then endless Nebraska farmland. In just hours he traversed vast American landscapes at ease.

Had Elvis opted for a smaller business jet like a Lear or Sabreliner, he’d sacrifice space for his entourage and require frequent refueling stops. Shorter range business aircraft would confine tours to a single region. Only the right combination of speed, range, and capacity served Elvis’ demanding travel needs.

Over 13 years the 880 faithfully carried Elvis over a million miles. He crisscrossed the country countless times on grueling tours that would fatigue even the most seasoned travelers. But cradled in luxury aboard the 880, stroking the clouds at over 500 mph, the miles melted away allowing Elvis to focus on his performances.

Blue Suede Skies: 4 Fascinating Facts About Elvis' Luxury Convair 880 Jet - Elvis' Affinity for Aviation

Elvis’ passion for aviation started early. As a poor boy growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi during the 1930s and 40s, young Elvis would gaze up at the skies and dream of faraway places he could hardly imagine. When an airplane passed overhead, which was a rare sight in those days, Elvis would stop whatever he was doing and stare in awe as the plane faded into the distance.

Later in life when Elvis became famous, his wealth enabled him to indulge his childhood passion, taking flying lessons to pilot small aircraft. But it was the 1960 purchase of his private Convair 880 jetliner that truly allowed Elvis’ love of aviation to soar. Now he had wings to chase the horizon and satisfy his insatiable appetite for exploration and discovery.

Owning an airplane for Elvis meant far more than a means of transportation between concert venues and film locations. Elvis was endlessly fascinated by flight, spending hours reading books about aviation history and aircraft performance specs. He quizzed pilots extensively, learning the systems and capabilities of his Convair 880 in meticulous detail.

Elvis enjoyed spending time in the cockpit inflight, wearing a captain’s hat as he watched instruments dance across the panel. He’d grin broadly when the pilots let him make minor heading and altitude adjustments. While Elvis never became certified to fly large multi-engine jets like the 880, he relished the opportunity to briefly take the controls.

Having his own plane allowed Elvis to share his love of aviation with friends and family too. He enjoyed giving inflight tours, proudly showing off the jetliner’s lavish interior. For many guests used to cramped airliners, the 880 provided their first taste of luxury air travel. Others Elvis would treat to short scenic hops just for the joy of flying.

Elvis also had a tradition of gifting airplanes, including several small prop planes, a Falcon jet, and even a massive Convair 880 Elvis purchased specifically for Colonel Tom Parker. Spreading the gift of flight gave Elvis profound happiness.

Blue Suede Skies: 4 Fascinating Facts About Elvis' Luxury Convair 880 Jet - Celebrity Planes: A Rich Tradition

Elvis Presley was far from the only celebrity with a customized luxury jetliner. From Frank Sinatra to John Travolta, the rich and famous have long taken to the skies in personalized style. Owning a private plane is the ultimate status symbol, but also serves practical needs like privacy, efficiency, and security. While humbler stars fly first class, the upper echelon spares no expense outfitting their aircraft as flying palaces.

Like Elvis, Frank Sinatra understood the allure of a customized aircraft. Ol’ Blue Eyes purchased a Grumman Gulfstream II in the 1960s, outfitting the cabin in wood veneer and posh fabrics. Blue carpeting, leather seats, and oak tables created a retro lounge ideal for Rat Pack card games. The jet whisked Sinatra between Palm Springs, Las Vegas and New York in comfort and style.

Another aviation enthusiast, John Travolta pilots his own Boeing 707 airliner painted in striking Qantas livery. Travolta worked closely with Boeing to refurbish the cockpit to modern standards so he could fly the vintage 1960s jet. He even built a home with a runway leading right to the door. The 707 carries Travolta in luxury between mansions and movie premieres.

Modern rappers and sports stars also flaunt customized widebody jets. Nike mogul Phil Knight had his Boeing 767 decked out like a flying palace in blue and silver, while Master P named his 767 the “Sky Yacht.” Shaquille O’Neal had a 767 converted with lush bedroom suites and chrome fixtures. Celebs spare no expense creating flying mansions.

Beyond luxury, private jets afford security and privacy crucial to celebrities. Flying commercial, they get mobbed by fans. Swarmed walking through airports, interrupted while eating inflight, stars lose the ability to relax. Private planes allow control over who comes onboard and access to VIP terminals away from crowds. Many celebrities require this sanctuary to function with grueling schedules.

Custom aircraft also enable efficiency. With studio time costing thousands per hour, stars maximize productivity by cutting travel time via private jet. Customs inspection and immigration are expedited, avoiding wasted hours waiting with the masses. Schedules are maximized by flying direct when needed. For superstars like Elvis doing concerts across vast distances, their business depends on private planes.

Blue Suede Skies: 4 Fascinating Facts About Elvis' Luxury Convair 880 Jet - The Later Years of the Luxurious Jet

As the 1970s progressed, Elvis’ touring schedule waned and his health deteriorated. His custom Convair 880, “Hound Dog One,” spent more time parked on the ramp outside Graceland. Yet even grounded, it served as a sanctuary for Elvis. He continued making minor updates, adding a projection screen and disco dance floor to keep current. When Elvis needed an escape from the pressures of fame, he would retire to the jet, relax on the sofa with a peanut butter and banana sandwich, and watch movies on the drop-down screen.

Despite flying less, Elvis refused to relinquish his beloved jet. It remained a symbol of his success and a tie to his passion for aviation. Letting it go would mean closing the chapter on Elvis the touring superstar. As long as “Hound Dog” stood ready, so too did Elvis.

There were brief moments in the mid-1970s when Elvis seemed ready to return to regular touring. His remaining concerts still drew massive crowds, though reviews criticized his shortened sets and lackluster performances. During these flashes of renewed vigor, Elvis had the 880 prepped for flight again. Its departure from Graceland signaled The King was back.

Yet any comeback quickly fizzled as prescription drug abuse took its toll. Those final flights of “Hound Dog One” were but glimpses of Elvis’ former glory. Still, the jet carried Elvis with comfort and security to the end, his own private sanctuary untouched by the pressures of his fame.

After Elvis’ untimely death in 1977, ownership of the 880 passed jointly to his daughter Lisa Marie Presley and his ex-wife Priscilla Presley. Keeping the jet was impractical, but letting it go carried deep symbolism. The pair reluctantly put “Hound Dog One” up for sale in 1978.

The jet found an unexpected second life as a testbed, its interior gutted and overloaded with monitoring equipment. For years it flew endless loops over the desert, pushed to extremes by aerospace engineers. The graceful jetliner that once ferried a superstar in luxury ended its career being punished daily near its performance limits. But the 880 endured every test, refusing to falter even under immense strain.

Finally, in 1984 the tired plane made its final touchdown at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for retirement. As it slowly taxied to the vast aircraft boneyard, its red, white and blue paint scheme still proudly bore Elvis’ name down the fuselage. One last time it passed the fateful black number 3 marking where Elvis, overcome and dying from heart failure, had collapsed just beyond years earlier after arrival in Memphis.

In the desert sun the Convair’s remaining paint soon faded and peeled. Windows were removed and surfaces slowly took on a patina of dust. Elvis’ luxurious flying limousine decayed amongst old military transports and passenger airliners.