Qatar Royal Family’s £300m ‘Palace in the Sky’ lands in Mallorca ahead of historic eclipse

One of the world’s most extravagant private aircraft has touched down in Mallorca, adding another dose of glamour to the island just days before the skies above it become the focus of global attention.

A Boeing 747-8 associated with Qatar’s royal family arrived at Palma Airport from Doha, although it has not been officially confirmed whether Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, or members of his family were travelling aboard.

The arrival comes as Mallorca prepares for the total solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, an extraordinary spectacle expected to attract visitors and eclipse enthusiasts from around the world.

There is currently no confirmation that the aircraft’s arrival is connected to the eclipse.

A flying palace arrives in Palma

The enormous Boeing 747-8 is part of the Qatar Amiri Flight fleet used to transport members of the country’s ruling family and senior officials.

Aircraft of this type have been valued at around $350 million to $400 million (€300 million to €340 million), before taking into account the lavish bespoke interiors commonly fitted to VIP versions.

The huge four-engine jet has earned comparisons with a “palace in the sky”, with the 747-8 among the largest passenger aircraft ever built.

Its presence at Palma Airport is particularly noticeable because of its sheer size. During a previous visit, air traffic controllers highlighted the additional operational challenges involved in handling the aircraft, including restrictions over which runway it can use.

Qatari royals’ Mallorca connection

A visit by Qatar’s ruling family would hardly be unprecedented.

The Al Thani family has longstanding links with Mallorca and its surrounding waters, with members of the family having holidayed on the island on several occasions.

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was in Mallorca last summer after attending a United Nations conference in Seville. During that visit, he reportedly boarded his spectacular superyacht Al Lusail.

At 123 metres long and reportedly worth around €500 million, Al Lusail is another striking symbol of the family’s extraordinary wealth and has been spotted around Mallorca on several occasions.

The Emir’s wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, has also previously been seen in Palma, including during a shopping trip in the city in 2022.

Mallorca prepares for historic skies

The timing of the latest arrival is certain to generate interest as Mallorca counts down to one of its most anticipated events in decades.

On Wednesday evening, the island will experience a total solar eclipse, with the Sun disappearing behind the Moon shortly before sunset. Mallorca is positioned within the path of totality, making it one of Europe’s prime locations from which to witness the phenomenon.

Thousands of people are expected to head towards viewing locations with clear western horizons, while authorities have introduced special traffic and safety measures in anticipation of large crowds.

Whether Mallorca’s latest high-profile arrival is here for the celestial spectacle remains unknown.

But with a royal “palace in the sky” now sitting at Palma Airport and one of nature’s rarest shows just hours away, the island is certainly attracting attention from both the ground and the heavens.