Business Aviation Under Fire: Emissions Rise by 46% in Four Years

Business Aviation: A Worrying Rise in CO2 Emissions from 2019 to 2023

A recent study published in the scientific journal Communications Earth and Environment highlights a concerning reality: worldwide CO2 emissions from business aviation have surged by 46% between 2019 and 2023. These findings fuel criticism of the aviation sector, particularly private jets, often denounced as a symbol of ecological excess.

Revealing Data on a Global Trend

Despite their relatively small share of overall air traffic, private jets have seen their environmental impact grow dramatically. According to the study, the number of jets in use, the flights conducted—estimated at 4 million annually—and the distances traveled have all increased during this period. By 2023, the global fleet of private jets reached nearly 26,000 aircraft, a 28.4% increase since 2019.

The majority of these flights cover distances under 500 kilometers, journeys often achievable by train, a far less polluting alternative. This practice contributes to business aviation’s share of global carbon emissions, estimated at 1.7% to 1.8% in 2023.

Rigorous Analysis, Alarming Results

To derive these findings, researchers analyzed flight logs from private aircraft between 2019 and 2023, collecting real-time location and flight duration data. This information was then matched with fuel consumption rates specific to each aircraft model, providing precise calculations of emissions. Stefan Gössling, a researcher at Sweden’s Linnaeus University and a co-author of the study, emphasizes the robustness of this methodology.

Milan Klöwer, an expert at the University of Oxford, argues that the study highlights how private aviation consumes resources disproportionately. While private jets account for only a small fraction of total air travel, their environmental impact remains significant and raises questions about their sustainability.

Efficiency Gains Not Enough

One positive finding from the analysis is a slight reduction in emissions per kilometer traveled, likely due to the introduction of more fuel-efficient aircraft. However, this improvement does not offset the overall increase in emissions, which rose from 10.7 million tons of CO2 in 2019 to 15.6 million tons in 2023.

For Klöwer, stricter regulations are essential to curb the rising use of private jets. "Carbon has a cost, and that cost should be internalized. Taxing every private jet landing or takeoff would be a step forward, although politically challenging to implement," he suggests.

Controversial Usage Patterns

While private jet operators emphasize their role in medical emergency transport, the study reveals that their use is predominantly "seasonal." Peaks in activity often coincide with major events such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Olympics, or economic summits like Davos. Ironically, even climate conferences such as COP28 in Dubai saw a notable increase in private jet traffic, highlighting the contradictions between rhetoric and actions.

France at the Center of the Debate

In Europe, France stands out as the leading market for business aviation, with the highest number of private jet movements. The sector experienced a significant boost after the COVID-19 pandemic, as many sought exclusive and secure transportation options. This trend has sparked intense debates among policymakers and the public.

According to Clément Beaune, former Minister of Transport, changes are necessary. France’s 2025 budget plan includes measures to increase the financial contributions of the business aviation sector. "Some behaviors are no longer acceptable in the context of a general mobilization for the climate. While medical or economic imperatives exist, private jets cannot become a default mode of individual travel for comfort," he stated.

Toward a More Responsible Business Aviation Sector?

The study reignites the debate on the relevance and regulation of private jets. As the climate crisis demands action from all sectors, business aviation highlights a broader dilemma: how to balance the specific needs of a few with the collective environmental impact on the planet? Addressing this challenge may require ambitious political measures and a paradigm shift within the industry.