UK Claims Top Spot in Europe’s Private Jet Numbers in 2022

According to research commissioned by Greenpeace, more private jets took off from the UK than any other country in Europe in 2022, with the post-pandemic phase seeing a surge in private jet use to over 90,256 flights! 

Aviation experts also said these flights led to half a million tons of CO2 emissions and were on the busiest and most carbon-intensive routes. Notable routes were those between London and Paris, having seen 3357 flights last year despite Eurostar operating trains between 10 and 15 times a day.  

Researchers also noted that, despite being considered amongst the highest polluting, flights that connected Farnborough and Blackbushe were likely positioning flights. However, 13 flights were operated on this route, producing 23 tonnes of CO2 equivalent to driving for approximately 50,000 miles, and 1343 flights were operated between Farnborough and numerous London airports through 2022.  

Research conducted by Dutch environmental consultant CE Delft analysed private jet traffic across Europe in 2020, 2021, and 2022 and found that 1,041,640 flights caused 5,377,851 tonnes of CO2 emissions, equalling all annual emissions of Leeds.  

Flights also increased in 2022 from 350,078 to 572,806, with associated CO2 emissions going over twice as much with a total of 3.3 million tonnes. 

Max Thrower of the Aviation Environment Federation, a group that campaigns on aviation's environmental impacts, called for increased tax on private jets and said: "Flying by private jet is the most carbon-intensive way to travel, and it's unacceptable that people continue to do it unnecessarily in the midst of a climate emergency." 

The Department for Transport said it is committed to decarbonising aviation and achieving net zero emissions from the UK by 2050 without directly limiting demand.  

A spokesperson from the DfT said: "The UK's sustainable aviation fuels programme is one of the most comprehensive in the world, and our £165m advanced fuel fund is kickstarting production. Meanwhile, our recent reforms to the tax on air passengers will ensure those who fly private jets or fly the furthest contribute the most to the public purse. 

"The UK is decarbonising faster than any other G7 country, and we remain committed to reaching net zero by 2050 while growing the economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of well-paid green jobs," they continued. 

Technological advancements that push boundaries of efficiency and, urgent investments in SAFs, and, of course, the commitment and collaboration between policymakers and consumers are imperative steps to consider in this climate crisis as we look forward to a net-zero future.  

Brookfield believes that despite the undeniable environmental impact, actively taking the steps above allows for a glimmer of hope for a future where the skies are not synonymous with carbon-bleeding luxury.