01/08/2009

Associated Press

Starbucks bought a new corporate jet for about $45 million, even as it has been closing stores to cut costs.

A spokeswoman, Deb Trevino, told The Seattle Times the Gulfstream 550 delivered last month was ordered three years ago and canceling would have been too expensive.

Starbucks owns two other jets and is trying to sell a 7-year-old Gulfstream.

The spokeswoman says they are important to the multinational business.

Starbucks policy requires employees to reimburse the company for any personal use of the jets.

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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com