Green Group Calls For Business Jet Tax

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

06 April 2010

An environmental advocacy group is calling on the UK government to extend the scope of the air passenger duty to cover flights made by small private aircraft.

Campaign for Better Transport says that in 2009, around 67,000 private jet flights attracted no additional taxation whereas commercial flights, which emit far less carbon per passenger carried, are subject to the APD, which, ostensibly, is an environmental levy.

“Light aircraft are about the most polluting way to travel possible, carrying an average of 2-3 passengers per flight,” the body said.

According to Campaign for Better Transport, private jet flights emit more than 10 times more carbon dioxide per passenger than passengers on commercial flights, and yet they are not covered by the APD.

“Charging fuel duty on these ultra-polluting aircraft wouldn't raise enormous sums of money, but it would make sure that all flights were held accountable for the damage they cause to the environment,” the body argued in a blog entry.

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