The ability to travel together, retaining the connections that have been sorely missed by many throughout the pandemic is a tempting prospect, made more so by the rise in jet charters. Private jets aren’t just for a quick trip to the sun, either: chartering takes in services such as courier flights and larger aeroplane usage. Air cargo services require specialist knowledge, especially when it comes to the handling of sensitive or urgent goods, with charter companies like ACS also working with aid agencies to deliver cargo to remote or dangerous locations.
However, with all this capability and safety comes fuel consumption. A study by Europe’s leading clean transport NGO, Transport & Environment, showed that European private jet CO2 emissions increased by 31 per cent between 2005 and 2019, faster than commercial aviation emissions. While COVID-19 tempered growth, private aviation has bounced back in much ruder health than commercial flight, leading to an even greater discrepancy in emissions.
It’s a fine balance to strike: while private jets are a large contributor to aviation’s disproportionate effect on the environment, the funding behind the industry has the potential to help develop new, cleaner aviation technology. Transport & Environment has called for a ticket and fuel tax on each short-haul private flight until 2030, when they expect hydrogen or electric aircraft to be able to regularly take over the job. The proposed levy would raise hundreds of millions of pounds, potentially accelerating more environmentally-friendly flying.
Private charters have thrived through the pandemic, as more people discover the benefits. Similar to working from home and the growing concept of the four day week, don’t expect the industry to revert to the status quo.
For more information on ACS or to book your next flight, visit aircharterservice.com
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