Question
What was the Lolita Express and who flew on it?
Answer
“Lolita Express” was a nickname assigned by the New York Post to Jeffrey Epstein’s Boeing 727 private aircraft (registration N908JE), in reference to Vladimir Nabokov’s novel about the sexual abuse of a minor.
The aircraft: Epstein acquired the Boeing 727 in the early 2000s. The large jet was configured with private accommodations and used for travel between Epstein’s properties — New York, Palm Beach, New Mexico, and Little St. James in the US Virgin Islands — as well as international destinations.
The flight logs: Flight logs obtained through civil litigation documented a long list of passengers. Among those confirmed to have flown on the aircraft:
- Bill Clinton — documented on over 26 trips between 2001 and 2003, including to his home of Chappaqua, New York; Clinton has acknowledged flying on the jet but disputes the number of flights
- Kevin Spacey — documented on an Africa trip with Clinton
- Prince Andrew — multiple flights consistent with documented meetings
- Alan Dershowitz — Epstein’s attorney
- Various entertainers, scientists, and social acquaintances
Important context: Flying on the aircraft does not establish knowledge of any criminal conduct. Epstein provided flights to a broad network of acquaintances, many of whom had no knowledge of his crimes. The logs document who traveled; they do not document knowledge or participation.
Other Epstein aircraft: Epstein also maintained a Gulfstream GV and other smaller aircraft documented in FAA records.
Sources
- FAA aircraft registration records
- Flight log copies, obtained in civil litigation
- Miami Herald investigative reporting (2018-2019)