The private jets in the eye of the storm for several years now in France, particularly with the problems associated with pollution and global warming. Many left-wing and ecologist MPs are simply calling for general aviation to be banned in France, describing it as "aviation for the rich" in addition to the nuisance it generates.
According to a report recently published by Greenpeace and produced by CE Delft, a Dutch environmental consultancy, there will be more than 572,000 private flights in Europe in 2022. That's more than 3.3 million tonnes of carbon emissions. Between 2020 and 2021, flights almost tripled and emissions more than quadrupled. Between 2021 and 2022, flights have increased by a factor of 1.5 and emissions have more than doubled.. Public opinion cannot remain insensitive to this situation.
The Borne government wants to be more pragmatic, recognising that business aviation is an important economic factor and an efficient form of mobility. Particularly when you need to get from one place to another as quickly as possible for business reasons.
So the government is going to split the difference. Rather than banning it, it will tax it more.business aviation. These are the main points made by Minister for Transport Clément Beaune. He admitted to MEPs that " certain shocking practices, often out of place, sometimes unacceptable" . But a total ban would be complicated. It would require complex controls: which activities, which distances should or should not be banned for business aviation?
Taxing more? This was already the case in Budget 2023 where fuel tax was increased by 70%. Clément Beaune is therefore no longer ruling out increasing it again in 2024. And perhaps in doing so, he will succeed in dissuading some of those who prefer this means of transport...
