France and Spain have joined a new global coalition advocating for the introduction of international taxes on private jets and luxury air travel, aiming to create a new financing model to combat climate change.
Announced on 30 June in Seville as part of the United Nations Development Summit, the coalition is expanding with the participation of countries such as Kenya, Barbados, Somalia, Benin, Sierra Leone, and Antigua and Barbuda. The coalition’s goal is to generate revenue by taxing high-emission and privileged air travel and to channel these funds into sustainable development projects.
A Fair Share from Luxury Travel
The coalition’s primary objective is for high-carbon modes of transportation—such as private jets, first-class, and business-class flights—to “take financial responsibility proportionate to the environmental harm they cause.”
According to published data:
-
Annual revenues of €41 billion could be raised through taxes on private jet fuel,
-
€37 billion annually from taxes on first-class tickets,
-
Bringing the total estimated financing to over €78 billion.
If broader commercial jet fuel taxes are implemented, this figure could rise to €187 billion per year.
“The Wealthy Should Contribute More”
French President Emmanuel Macron described this initiative as “a major step forward” during his remarks at the Seville summit, calling on more countries to join the effort:
“Those who have benefited most from globalization must also contribute the most to the fight against climate change.”
Task Force Secretariat Co-Chair Laurence Tubiana emphasized the importance of the tax coalition, stating, “Premium flight taxes could generate crucial funding.”
Why Target Private Jets?
The aviation sector is responsible for more than 2.5% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2023, private jets emitted an estimated 19.5 million tons of carbon—more than the total emissions of all flights departing from London Heathrow Airport.
Between 2019 and 2023, emissions from private aviation increased by 46%.
Additionally, first and business-class passengers generate 3 to 4 times more carbon emissions compared to economy class travelers.
Aero Haber You can follow X-Twitter account. Follow
