Nicky Oppenheimer's aircraft lands in London the week Forbes ranks him fourth-richest in Africa

Nicky Oppenheimer's Bombardier Global 6500, tail number ZS-EKA, was tracked departing O.R. Tambo International Airport on June 28 and arriving at Farnborough Airport near London after a 10-hour 34-minute flight. The aircraft climbed to 43,025 feet and reached a ground speed of 556 knots before touching down in the UK.

If aboard, Nicky Oppenheimer would arrive the same week Forbes published its 2026 Africa billionaires ranking, which placed the former De Beers chairman fourth on the continent with a net worth of $10.6 billion, per [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/profile/nicky-oppenheimer/) and [Billionaires.Africa](https://www.billionaires.africa/2026/06/22/diamond-heir-nicky-oppenheimer-moves-to-africas-fourth-richest-as-forbes-2026-ranking-reshuffles-the-top-tier/). The ranking, released June 22, noted his 2012 sale of the family's 40% De Beers stake for $5.1 billion and his subsequent pivot to conservation and aviation through Fireblade Aviation.

London is a recurring destination for Oppenheimer's fleet, alongside Geneva and Kasane. The trip follows a pattern of transatlantic movements: ZS-EKA flew from Farnborough to Johannesburg on June 26, then back to London two days later. Should he have been aboard, the visit could involve business meetings tied to his philanthropic commitments or the Fireblade Aviation operation — though the Forbes list's timing offers a neat narrative hook.