Michael Jordan Flies Through The Skies With Style On N236MJ

This weekend, the NBA descends on the “Space City” for the 2013 All-Star Game. While the presence of the world's greatest basketball players will certainly be a leading theme of the extravaganza, it absolutely appears that the birthday celebration of a former “somewhat known” NBA player has become the most dominant storyline circulating its way through the city of Houston.

Amazingly, particularly for anyone who came of age during the 1990's, a man by the name of Michael Jeffrey Jordan turns 50-years-old, this Sunday, February 17.

In addition to the all-star game, dunk contest and NBA Jam Session related events; “His Airness” will be hosting a birthday gala at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The party includes a guest list of 100 for a private dinner, with another 200 attendees expected to partake in an after dinner concert.

Despite not playing NBA basketball since 2003, MJ continues to amass an extraordinary annual income. Based on his 80 percent stake in the Charlotte Bobcats, as well as his ongoing relationships with companies like Nike, Hanes, 2K Sports and Gatorade, Jordan garnered in the neighborhood of $80 million, during 2012.  In total, the former Chicago Bulls icon lays claim to a net worth of approximately $650 million.

One of the more exclusive perks of possessing this level of wealth is the ability to own a luxury, private aircraft. In Jordan's case, this indulgence involves the use of a $30 million, Gulfstream IV jet (also pictured upper right). The two most unique exterior aspects of the Jordan Jet are its distinct North Carolina Tar Heel Blue color scheme and the presence of the numbers “23” and “6” and the letters “MJ” on the bird's tail fin. “23” represents the birthday boy's iconic uniform number, with “6” signifying the NBA titles won by the Bulls, during Jordan's days in Chicago.

The full length of Michael Jordan's tail number reads “N236MJ.”

How appropriate is it that the man who spent so much of his basketball life flying to the hoop with artistry, now soars with even greater style, this time 35,000 feet through the stratosphere?

Entering his sixth decade on Planet Earth, Michael Jordan is still as cool as it gets, including his famous N236MJ airplane. 

Happy Birthday Mike!