Originally published January 8, 2009 at 5:34 PM | Page modified January 8, 2009 at 7:27 PM

Schultz took Starbucks' new jet to Hawaii for the holidays

Howard Schultz apparently used Starbucks' new corporate jet to spend the holidays in Hawaii with his family. The Seattle company bought...

By Melissa Allison

Seattle Times business reporter

As stores close, Starbucks buys a jet

Howard Schultz apparently used Starbucks' new corporate jet to spend the holidays in Hawaii with his family. The Seattle company bought a new Gulfstream 550 in mid-December that cost about $45 million.

A spokeswoman said Starbucks ordered the plane three years ago and that canceling delivery would have been too expensive.

She declined to say who took it to Hawaii for two weeks in late December, but said it was a combined personal and business trip.

Lance Armstrong wrote on his Twitter account that he dined with Starbucks CEO Schultz and his family in Hawaii on Dec. 30. "Great man who's committed to health care for all," Armstrong wrote.

Starbucks policy requires employees to reimburse the company for personal use of corporate planes. That policy was instituted in fiscal 2007, when Schultz reimbursed Starbucks $400,919 for flights.

Melissa Allison: 206-464-3312 or mallison@seattletimes.com

More Business & Technology headlines...

E-mail article Print view Share: Digg Newsvine

Comments

Im not going back to Starucks until they change the uniforms to pasties and thongs Posted on January 8, 2009 at 8:31 PM by HighValueTarget. Jump to comment

Hmm, the economy is collapsing, Israel invaded Gaza, we're at war in two foreign countries and somehow Schultz's holiday vacation is big... Posted on January 9, 2009 at 6:38 AM by Miken40. Jump to comment

This is a classic case of "Pole Vaulting over mouse "S**t". Who cares. If this were Chrissy then fire her. For Howard Schultz, he is... Posted on January 8, 2009 at 8:34 PM by lad240. Jump to comment

Read all comments / Share your thoughts

Get home delivery today!

More Business & Technology

NEW - 12:18 AM
Microsoft CFO to exit after tough year of cost-cutting

St. Louis exec now boss of all Boeing giving

Saab's fate uncertain after deal collapses

Reform won't take bite out of health-care profits

Facebook's new share structure hints at public offering

Advertising

Video

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship
Coming in this Sunday's Pacific Northwest Magazine: Pastor Braxton's mission is to preach a message that appeals to everyone.

PNW Magazine | Easy As Pie

Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake fans celebrate

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy

Raw Video | MLS Cup Opening Ceremony

Real Salt Lake fans enter Qwest Field

LA Galaxy's David Beckham

Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman

MLS trophy arrives in Seattle

nwhomes

Find a Home

For sale
New Homes
Foreclosures

Search properties for sale

Rent a home or apartment

Post your property or rental

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.

Or search by location:

nwautos

Less is more: Group rides, good gas mileage have led to a scooter swarm in Seattlenew
Local riders say they've seen a surge in scooter interest in recent years, mostly from people wanting another commuting option. Seattle now ranks as o...
Post a comment