This is an extract from http://www.chelsea.vitalfootball.co.uk/

As some of you know I work as a commercial aviation analyst and an interesting piece of gossip dropped into my lap this morning. I am informed that Roman Abramovich, fresh from being stood down by the Russian Prime Minister of his Governor duties in Chukotka, is reportedly selling on his own private Boeing 767-300ER, nicknamed 'The Bandit' because of its trademark black anti-glare paint across the cockpit and is acquiring a much larger and newer Airbus A340-300.

We have not been told where the new plane is coming from but we know for certain it is not a newbuild direct from Airbus. It is possible that the airframe in question may be one of the -313X models in service with Virgin Atlantic, or possibly from Air Canada. Or it could be this one A343 MSN 955 left the final assembly line a few days ago and has reportedly a tail in the same colours as the Abramovich B.767.

Will this be in the bandit colours like his Falcon

The A340 is a huge four engined widebody that normally seats more than 350 people. Under the ownership of Mr Abramovich it will be fitted with showers, bathrooms, several plush bedrooms, with the latest in entertainment and satellite communication gear and cutting edge interior design. It also has a vast under-floor cargo area, normally used to store LD3 cargo containers. Under Mr Abramovich's ownership though, there is more than enough room for a couple of Maybach limousines and a couple of Range Rovers for his minders/security in the rear cargo bay. The front cargo bay will probably be turned into bedrooms and a wardroom for his security and staff. It has the range to fly him, his entourage and probably the entire CFC squad almost anywhere in the world non-stop and is renowned for being far, far quieter and smoother to fly on than the 767 it replaced.

Most notable though, will be the price tag. Such an aircraft new would cost about US$150m, but second hand he is probably paying US$55m, a Kaka, for one. He will probably then spend another US$25m gutting the inside and turning it into a flying palace.