Palantir spent $25M on CEO flights so Alex Karp could do all the talking
The Register
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir Technologies, has drawn attention for his extravagant travel expenses, which totaled nearly $25 million over two years for private jet use. According to a regulatory filing, Karp operates an "Executive Aircraft" for both business and personal travel, with the company footing the bill. In 2024 alone, Palantir spent $7.7 million on these flights, a figure that stands out even when compared to CEOs of much larger companies like Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, who spends just $1.8 million annually on air travel.
Karp’s frequent travel is seen as part of his strategy to maintain visibility and influence in the tech industry. While he claims Palantir’s products sell themselves once customers begin using them, the company actually spent $1 billion on sales and marketing in 2025 alone. Critics argue that Karp’s extensive globetrotting may be an attempt to compensate for something or simply reflect his larger-than-life personality. Meanwhile, analysts have pointed out that Karp spends about 28% of each year in the air, often on a mid-sized jet costing roughly $7,000 per hour.
This level of spending raises questions about the ROI of such travel. While Karp’s unique speaking style and bold statements generate media attention, some investors and analysts remain skeptical. For example, Karp has made controversial claims, including suggesting that AI could reduce the need for immigration in Western economies and advising NHS doctors to avoid using Palantir’s data platform. Despite these issues, his ability to dominate headlines through both his words and actions continues to keep him at the center of
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Originally published on The Register on 2/19/2026