Introduce restrictions on private jets
Restrict the use of private planes while using the tax system to disincentivise them, in line with the principle that polluters should be made to pay for their damage.
The emissions-per-person of using private jets are enormous and incompatible with a country and government taking a range of other steps to address greenhouse gas emissions from transport. The number of private jets has doubled in the last twenty years and continues to grow. France has proposed restricting private jets.
Private jet passengers are often not subject to the same security and safety processes as public aviation passengers. In addition to this obvious unfairness, this also presents additional security risks.
Ideally the Scottish Government would work with the UK and Welsh Governments to put in place restrictions across mainland Britain, or potentially use the tax system to disincentivise the use of private jets. This could involve imposing new higher tax rates on private jet use through either reforming Air Passenger Duty at UK level or at Scotland level through the devolution of APD, and its replacement with Airport Departure Tax (see section 4.2.2 – funding climate action).
An Oxfam report estimates that taxing private jets and superyachts could bring in up to £2bn a year across the UK.
For further information:
The Scottish Government’s Aviation Statement and policy: A review by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, August 2024, https://www.stopclimatechaos.scot/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-Scottish-Governments-Aviation-Statement-and-policy_-A-review-by-Stop-Climate-Chaos-Scotland-August-2024.pdf
We need higher taxes on private jets and superyachts, here’s why, Oxfam, September 2024, https://www.oxfam.org.uk/oxfam-in-action/oxfam-blog/we-need-higher-taxes-on-private-jets-and-superyachts/
Ban private jets – end luxury emissions, Stay Grounded, https://stay-grounded.org/ban-private-jets/
Ban private jets petition, Greenpeace, https://www.greenpeace.org/international/act/ban-private-jets/
Payment overdue – Fair ways to make polluters across the UK pay for climate justice, Oxfam, September 2023, https://oxfamilibrary.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10546/621539/bp-payment-overdue-fair-ways-to-make-UK-polluters-pay-180923-en.pdf?sequence=1
Private planes, usually jets but sometimes propeller-driven, are owned by individuals, companies or charter firms and carry small numbers of people
Private jet sales likely to reach highest ever level this year, report says, Guardian, 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/01/ private-jet-sales-likely-to-reach-highest-ever-level-this-year-report-says
As France Swelters, Private Jets Come Under Attack https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/22/world/europe/france-private-jets-restrictions.html
