The private aviation industry is facing criticism for its big role in carbon emissions and climate change. The world needs to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions fast.
The growing carbon footprint of private jets is a big issue, despite their luxury and convenience.
Recent data shows private aviation emitted at least 15.6 million metric tons of CO2 in 2023.
This is about 3.6 metric tons per flight on average.
Between 2019 and 2023, emissions from private jets went up by 46%, showing how fast the industry is growing. Private jets have a much bigger carbon footprint per passenger than commercial flights do.
Private air traffic is concentrated in some areas, and short flights are common.
For example, the United States has 68.7% of all private aircraft.
Most private flights stay within the country. Almost half of these flights are under 300 miles, with many being empty or just moving around.
This leads to a lot of unnecessary emissions and questions about private air travel’s efficiency and sustainability.
Celebrities are criticized for flying by private jet (see Prince Harry, Boris Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio, or any Hollywood star). Climate activists block airports and articles are written saying jets should be banned.
On the other hand, the industry tries to justify the use of private jets, talking about the positive economic impact they can have.
Therefore, as the climate crisis intensifies and private travel, corporate jets, and small planes are labeled among the most polluting forms of transport by studies like those from Linnaeus University and the International Energy Agency, it’s crucial to take a balanced look at the facts.
Disclosure
We (Compare Private Planes) operate within the private jet industry. Ultimately, we are pro-private jet use. However, that does not make us operate in denial.
We are very aware of the environmental impact of private jets. Therefore, we operate – to the best of our ability – in an independent, impartial manner.
This article will look at the facts to draw conclusions. Please feel free to draw your own conclusions from the data.
An Introduction to Private Aviation and Climate Change
Private aviation affects the environment, even though it serves a small part of the world’s population.
Private flights are the biggest polluters in air travel, releasing a lot of CO2. Commercial flights, on the other hand, pollute less per person.
Studies reveal that 1% of people cause half of flying’s emissions, mainly the rich and famous.
Private jets, used by a tiny fraction, are responsible for almost 2% of aviation’s emissions. Some private jet users pollute up to 550 times more than the average person each year.
The environmental harm from private flying is getting more attention. In five years, CO2 emissions from private jets have jumped by 46%.
At the 2023 COP28 climate conference, 291 flights released 3,800 tonnes of CO2. These numbers show we must find green alternatives to private flying to fight climate change.
The History of Private Jets & the Environment
For the purposes of this article, we will be considering the “history” of private jets spanning back to 1967. While the history of private jets started a little before this, the most relevant data comes post-1967.
Back in 1967, the Gulfstream GII (a large aircraft) burned around 579 gallons of fuel per hour.
Since then, private jets have got somewhat more efficient. However, private jets have always burned around 100 – 500 gallons of fuel per hour.
Surprisingly, private jets haven’t got that much more fuel-efficient over time.
However, looking just at the numbers this way doesn’t tell the complete story. While the hourly fuel burn figures have always remained about the same, the aircraft have got quicker and capable of carrying more passengers.
Therefore, the “miles per gallon” figure would be quite a bit lower with today’s business jets than fifty years ago.
However, the concern around private jets and the environment is a relatively recent phenomenon. Therefore, manufacturers haven’t been focused on fuel efficiency for a particularly long time.
An important point is that nobody who flies by private jet wants them to burn excess fuel. Fuel is one of the key costs of flying by private jet. Therefore, even if you aren’t concerned about the environment, reducing fuel burn is always welcomed.
Emissions Produced
So, let’s get right to it. What are the figures? How many tonnes of carbon emissions do private jets produce?
A typical Very Light Jet, such as a Cessna Citation Mustang or Embraer Phenom 100EV, will produce around 1 tonne of carbon dioxide per flight hour. A Very Light Jet can usually carry up to four passengers.
This works out to 0.25 tonnes of carbon emissions per passenger per hour. However, if we include the pilots in this, it amounts to around 0.16 tonnes of carbon emissions per person per flight hour to fly on a Very Light Jet.
A modern light jet, such as an Embraer Phenom 300E or Cessna Citation CJ3+, will produce around 2 tonnes of carbon emissions per flight hour. These aircraft can typically carry up to six passengers in comfort.
As a result, these aircraft will produce around 0.33 tonnes of carbon emissions per passenger per hour. Once again, if we include the pilots, this figure drops to 0.25 tonnes of carbon emissions per person per hour.
When it comes to a midsize jet, such as the Cessna Citation Sovereign+ or Embraer Legacy 500, it is typical for the aircraft to produce around 3 tonnes of carbon emissions per flight hour. These aircraft can usually carry up to eight passengers in comfort.
Therefore, flying by midsize jet will produce around 0.375 tonnes of carbon emissions per passenger per hour.
Again, if we include the pilots in this, then the figure drops to 0.3 tonnes of carbon emissions per passenger per hour.
And now, for the most polluting aircraft – the large jets. Within the large jets category, there is a significant range in size and efficiency. However, most large jets will produce anywhere from 4 to 8 tonnes of carbon emissions per flight hour.
These large jets can carry 12 to 19 passengers. Therefore, the total carbon emissions per passenger per hour range from 0.33 tonnes to 0.42 tonnes. Again, if we include the pilots these figures drop to 0.28 to 0.38 tonnes per person per flight hour.
Emissions in Context
The numbers above give a good idea about the emissions produced by each aircraft category and how this can be broken down to a per person figure.
Firstly, it is important to note that the most important figure is the total figure for the aircraft per hour. Very often, private jets fly with just a couple of people on board. They are almost never flown at full capacity.
Secondly, private jets often fly around empty. This is because they need to go to a different location to pick up their next passengers. Therefore, it is important to add in the ferry time when calculating your own carbon footprint.
Thirdly, including the pilots isn’t strictly necessary as they are essentially a part of the aircraft. Without them, the aircraft can’t fly. It would be the same as giving your luggage an environmental impact score.
Fourth, ultimately the per passenger figure is somewhat irrelevant. Does it actually matter if the per person figure is acceptable? Surely the crucial part is the total emissions that have been produced for the activity.
Moreover, using the WWF footprint calculator, the UK per person target is 10.5 tonnes. Therefore, one hour flying by yourself on an Embraer Lineage 1000E will see your estimated annual quote of carbon emissions nearly used up.
And just to add insult to injury, these aircraft aren’t flying just once. Most private jets will be flown between 200 and 400 hours per year. You can, therefore, see how this quickly adds up to 200 to 3,200 tonnes of carbon emissions per aircraft per year.
Clearly, these figures are bad. Ultimately, any emissions are bad. Even if each aircraft only produced one tonne of carbon emissions per year it would be seen as too much. It comes down to tolerance at the time and how perceptions change over time.
Now that we have the figures, let’s compare them with other industries.
Firstly, global aviation as a whole contributes just over 2% of all annual carbon emissions. Business jets contribute just 0.04% of all annual carbon emissions.
Second, in 2019, electricity within the United States alone produced over 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions. For private jets to reach this figure you would need nearly 500,000 Embraer Lineage 1000E aircraft flying 400 hours per year each.
In total, the United States was responsible for around 6.5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Therefore, consider that if you were to fly one hour every day for a year on a Cessna Citation Mustang, you would be responsible for 0.0000056% of carbon emissions in the United States.
Spatial Patterns and Concentration of Private Air Transport
The United States leads in private aviation, with 68.7% of all private planes registered here. This high number affects air traffic and global emissions.
The Federal Aviation Administration notes that private jets make up one in six flights, showing their big impact on airspace.
Private aviation is also big globally. Brazil has the second-most private aircraft, followed by Canada and Germany.
Mexico and the United Kingdom also have a lot of private planes. Malta has the most private planes per person, with 46.5 aircraft for every 100,000 residents.
Most private jet flights happen in the United States. This trend has grown more during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Private flights in the U.S. have increased by 20%, leading to a 23% rise in CO2 emissions. A study in the UCL Open: Environment journal shows private jets have a big carbon footprint.
The number of private planes worldwide has grown by 133% in 20 years.
There are now 23,133 aircraft.
This growth raises concerns about the environment. Emissions from private air travel could reach 770 megatons of CO2-equivalent in three years, making action urgent.
Private Jets Vs Commercial
Private jet use has raised concerns about its carbon footprint. In 2022, private jets emitted over 8,000 tonnes of carbon.
This is like the yearly carbon output of 500 average Americans or 1,000 Europeans.
Private jets release five to 14 times more carbon dioxide per passenger than commercial planes. They even emit 50 times more than trains.
This is a big problem.
Some private jets emit two tonnes of CO2 per hour. This is much more than the yearly carbon output of an average person in advanced economies.
In the UK, private jets took off once every six minutes in 2022. Air travel, including private jets, accounts for 2% of global CO2 emissions.
France has banned short-haul flights with rail alternatives under two and a half hours. Spain is also thinking about this.
But, the EU Transport Commission won’t ban private jets. They say it could save 300,000 tonnes of CO2 annually in Spain.
The aerospace industry is working on sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen, and electric aircraft. Private jet charter companies are choosing fuel-efficient planes and working with sustainable fuel providers.
While private jets are more flexible and efficient, their carbon footprint is a big worry as we try to fight climate change.
Short-Distance Flights and Alternatives
Private jets have faced criticism for their environmental harm, mainly for short flights. Almost half of all private flights (47.4%) are under 300 miles, with 4.7% under 30 miles.
These trips greatly increase carbon emissions, as private planes pollute more than commercial planes and trains.
Many short private flights could be replaced by driving or other transport. Saving a few hours by flying private is not worth the jet fuel used.
Private jets emit two tons of carbon dioxide per hour, while a European emits eight tons a year.
The private aviation sector is looking into greener options for short trips. Electric aircraft could make short flights zero-emission.
Private jet users are key for electric and hydrogen-fuel-cell plane innovations, fitting their needs.
Some air charter companies, like UK’s Victor, see more demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on short flights.
But SAFs are rare and expensive, not fully solving the emissions problem. As the number of private jets grows, finding better, greener options for short trips is essential.
Impact of Global Events and COVID-19 on Private Aviation
Big events like the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, Cannes Film Festival, World Economic Forum, and climate conferences really affect private flying.
For example, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar had 1,846 private flights. This led to 14,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
These events attract rich people and celebrities who prefer private jets. This choice adds to the emissions.
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the private flying world. Commercial flying dropped by 60.2% in 2020, but private jets saw an increase. Private jets offered safer travel with fewer people around.
Even though there was a small drop in flights and emissions in 2020, private flying bounced back fast. Between 2019 and 2023, private jet flights went up by 50%. The number of private jets also grew by 28%.
This growth in private flying has led to a big increase in emissions. In 2023, private jets emitted 15.6 megatonnes of carbon dioxide. This is as much as Tanzania’s yearly emissions.
Private jet use by the rich has raised concerns about emissions. Some suggest a carbon tax or even banning private flights. Many short trips could be made by train, which is better for the environment.
Growth of Private Aircraft Emissions from 2019 to 2023
The private jet industry has seen a big jump in carbon emissions. Between 2019 and 2023, emissions from private jets went up by 46 percent.
This rise is due to several reasons, like the COVID-19 pandemic. It made more high-end travelers choose private jets over commercial flights.
A study found that the world’s richest quarter million people, worth $31 trillion, caused 17.2 million tons of carbon dioxide from flying private jets.
Private jets only make up 1.8 percent of aviation’s carbon emissions.
Yet, one person’s private jet flights released 2,645 tons of carbon dioxide. That’s more than 500 times the global average per person.
The United States leads in private jet ownership, with over 68 percent of the world’s jets. Places like New York and Las Vegas are big contributors to this growth.
Some private jet companies have started carbon offset programs. But, many question their effectiveness in reducing emissions.
As the private jet industry keeps growing, finding better ways to reduce its environmental impact is key. Governments and industry leaders need to work together.
They must find sustainable solutions and enforce stricter rules to lower emissions from private flying.
Public Scrutiny
Celebrities and billionaires like Taylor Swift, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk are under the spotlight for their private jet use.
People are worried about the environmental damage caused by these jets. Social media, thanks to flight-tracking teen Jack Sweeney, has brought this issue to the forefront.
Taylor Swift has faced a lot of criticism for her private jet travel. A flight from Tokyo to the Super Bowl could release over 200,000 pounds of carbon dioxide.
This is as much as an average American household emits in 14 years. Swift has bought carbon credits to offset her tour travel, but experts question their effectiveness.
Private jets pollute much more than commercial planes per person, and they make up a big part of flights in the U.S. Yet, they only pay two percent of taxes that fund the FAA.
This has led to calls for better rules and accountability in the private aviation world.
The use of private jets by famous people has sparked more attention on carbon pollution. A report named Pitbull, Drake, and Kylie Jenner as big contributors to carbon pollution.
As more people learn about the harm caused by private jets, pressure grows on these influential figures to act.
Attempts to Reduce Environmental Impact
The private aviation industry is under pressure to lessen its environmental impact. Some companies are exploring ways to cut down their carbon footprint.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a promising option, reducing emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
Leading private jet companies, like FlyUSA, are using SAF in their operations. This move helps them meet the needs of clients who care about the environment.
Carbon offset programs are another strategy being used. These programs fund projects that help reduce CO₂ in the atmosphere.
FlyUSA works with these projects to make sure flights have a net-zero carbon impact.
Technological advancements are also helping reduce private jet emissions. Newer aircraft models, like those from FlyUSA, are up to 20% more efficient. This leads to lower emissions and costs.
The industry is also looking into green hydrogen and electric aircraft for the future. These could be key to making private aviation more sustainable.
Despite these efforts, more needs to be done to significantly reduce emissions. Stricter regulations and wider adoption are necessary. It’s vital for private jet companies to focus on sustainability and for clients to choose eco-friendly options.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), that’s the solution, right?
Well, yes and no.
SAF is not the be-all and end-all of solving the environmental impact of private jets.
There is no doubt that using Sustainable Aviation Fuels reduces the overall environmental impact of private jets.
However, this impact is all in the manufacturing process of the fuel. When it is in the aircraft the fuel consumed per hour may decrease by 1.5% – 3%. However, given the volume of fuel that private jets burn, this isn’t going to save the planet anytime soon.
Moreover, one of the crucial issues with SAF is availability. At the time of writing (October 2021), there are only 53 airports worldwide that supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
However, the good news is that 25 airports have been added to this list since the start of 2021. Therefore, the rate at which SAF is being rolled out is starting to increase.
While Sustainable Aviation Fuel is not and should not be considered a long-term solution, right now it is the best solution.
It is a drop-in fuel, meaning that virtually every current business jet is able to be powered by SAF. Once the supply is rolled out, almost all jets can accept it.
Moreover, while it doesn’t eliminate emissions it does reduce them. Therefore, it is far better than the alternative, conventional fuel.
Consequently, SAF should be viewed as a stopgap. It is the right solution to have an immediate impact. However, it is important to take other measures as well.
Offsetting Emissions
Another solution that is often touted is the offsetting of emissions produced by aircraft.
This is essentially when the carbon emissions that are generated through flying are then “paid off” by a scheme that removes carbon from the atmosphere.
The most common method of doing this is through planting trees.
Carbon offsetting programs are most common among charter companies and are used as a way to grab new clients. Many of the large charter brokers around the world speak of their offsetting schemes.
For example, Air Charter Service, PrivateFly, and Victor, all offer a convenient way of offsetting flight emissions.
However, in the grand scheme of things, carbon offsetting is not an effective method to balance out the impact of aviation.
Of course, it is far better than taking no action.
The trouble is that the PR around offsetting emissions is used to make flying guilt-free. Unfortunately, it simply doesn’t work like that.
Much like using Sustainable Aviation Fuels, offsetting is better than nothing and it’s great to take action now, however, it should not be treated as a long-term solution.
The Need for Regulation in the Private Aviation Industry
Climate scientists and environmental groups are pushing for stricter rules on private jets. They say this is because private jets are a big contributor to climate change.
Even though they make up a small part of flights, they produce 4% of global aviation emissions.
Traveling by private jet is much worse for the environment than flying commercial. It’s at least ten times more carbon-intensive per person.
This shows how big of a problem private jets are for our planet.
The number of private jets has grown fast, by 133% from 2000 to 2022.
This growth has raised more concerns about the environment. There’s a call for taxes on luxury jets or higher fuel costs to encourage less pollution.
But, making rules for private jets is hard because of their global flights and the strong opposition from the wealthy.
To tackle the issue of private jets and the environment, we need a few things. We need better rules, financial rewards for being green, and new, eco-friendly technologies.
Governments and groups like the United Nations Climate Negotiations must work together. They need to create strong policies to cut down emissions from private jets.
By using carbon offsetting and sustainable aviation fuel, the industry can lessen its harm to the climate. This way, private jets can be safer and follow the rules better.
Future Projections and Solutions
The private aviation industry is set to grow a lot, reaching a market value of $38.3 billion by 2029.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, people are more interested in private air travel than ever. This is because of jet-sharing and membership programs, which make flying private more affordable.
The industry is working hard to be more eco-friendly. They’re looking into zero-emission planes and using green technology.
They’re also making planes more fuel-efficient and using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
But, using these new technologies will take a big change in how we think and a lot of money for new infrastructure.
Everyone in the industry needs to work together. This includes plane makers, operators, and government officials.
Experts say changing how we see private jet travel is also important. We should use other ways to travel for short trips.
This can help make air travel more sustainable.
Alternative methods of powering aircraft are being explored.
Naturally, there are more complexities in trying to reliably develop an aircraft that can use a different propulsion system.
The two main contenders are hydrogen and electric.
Given the current state of the environment, along with the shift in public opinion, the technology for electric and hydrogen aircraft is well under development.
For example, Airbus has been developing methods for zero-emission flights since 2010. Electric aircraft have already taken to the sky.
Additionally, Embraer claims that they will have a hydrogen-powered demo aircraft in the skies by 2025.
Of course, there are limitations in some of these methods.
For example, it will be decades before an electric-powered aircraft will be able to fly any sort of long-haul flight.
Additionally, it will take a long time to test new propulsion methods and ensure that they are safe to use.
And, unfortunately, there will be logistical challenges to roll out new fuel sources to airports and transition from the current generation of aircraft.
As the industry grows, finding a balance is key. We need to meet the demand for luxury travel while reducing our environmental impact.
By using green tech, changing our views, and working together, we can make flying private better for the planet.
Economic Benefits of Private Jets
A common defense within the private jet industry is that private jets provide an exceptional amount of economic benefits. Not only through employment but also through local tourism.
For example, it has been reported that, on average, private jet passengers spend $69,000 when they visit somewhere. This cost excludes the actual cost of the aircraft. Therefore, this is all money that is pumped into the local economy of the area they are visiting.
As a result, the economic benefit of each passenger – whether private or commercial – should be factored into the environmental impact of each passenger.
While this is a compelling argument and does highlight the benefits of private jets, it isn’t strictly relevant to the environmental impact. They are two separate concerns.
The issue with the environment is that it can’t be bought. Money cannot solve the problems. Sure, it can lead to the planting of trees and cleaning of rivers, however, spending while on holiday is not solving the problem.
Therefore, it is important to acknowledge that there are benefits of private jets, however, helping the environment isn’t one.
Summary
Studies show private jet emissions have jumped by 46% from 2019 to 2023. All of this is caused by a small minority.
So, how bad are private jets for the environment?
Private jets have a negative environmental impact. There is no avoiding this. Just like driving a car, eating meat, and heating your home are all bad for the environment.
The issue is far more the extent to which they are bad – and whether or not you should feel guilty when flying by private jet.
If you look at flying by private jet with a microscope then you will likely conclude that they are single-handedly destroying the environment. This is the kind of report that is often found whenever a celebrity is seen flying by private jet.
However, the numbers have to be put in context. Business aviation accounts for 0.04% of all global emissions. There are far more polluting and inefficient industries that aren’t under the microscope.
Moreover, because private jets are used by a small group of people it is extremely easy for the majority to shame them.
Additionally, it is extremely important to look at the steps and actions that are being taken right now by the industry, along with the current work for the future.
And finally, consider the humble automobile. They are bad for the environment. Surely there should be calls to ban all cars. There are alternative transport methods you could use. And yet, the car is still used.
In many ways, this is similar to private jets being compared with trains and commercial flights. The difference is that the majority of people own a car and enjoy the convenience. Therefore, it would be extremely inconvenient to ban the car.
Ultimately, the answer to the question will come down to your personal opinion and biases. However, when making your mind up consider the numbers, the facts, and the context that private jets fly.
Featured Image: Media_works / Shutterstock.com
