Private jet tax could be introduced in Jersey

Private jet users could face additional taxation under new proposals to raise funds to become carbon neutral

People who fly in and out of Jersey on private jets could be facing an extra tax bill to offset their carbon emissions.

The council of ministers said the States will have to find about £300m over the next 30 years to achieve their goal of zero emissions overall.

It said applying a "polluter pays" principle to raising these funds was the "right thing to do", citing the statistic that private aircraft were "five to 14 times" more polluting than their commercial counterparts.

It said any taxation would be balanced against the role of private travel in servicing the island's business and leisure sectors.

The proposal was included in an amendment to the government plan for 2024-2027, which includes proposals for its long-term carbon neutral plan.

The papers said delivering "additional funding" would include the "investigation of the introduction of an appropriate carbon tax or charge relating to the operation of private aircraft."

It did not specify whether taxation would fall on owners, passengers, or both, but would look at a "proportionate tax or charge" to balance the "significant environmental impact" of private aircraft travel with the "important role" it plays in "servicing the island as a hub for business and leisure".

In 2021, the report said, transport accounted for 41% of Jersey's greenhouse gas emissions.

A precise definition of private aircraft is yet to be established

Domestic aviation was said to contribute to just over 9%, although this figure fell sharply during the pandemic.

Private jets were said, per passenger, to be five to 14 times more polluting than commercial plans, with a private jet flight from London to Dubai "nine times more polluting" than taking a commercial flight.

The report added: "As an island which has declared a climate emergency and committed to reach net zero by 2050, applying a 'polluter pays' principle to one of the most carbon intensive forms of transportation is the right thing to do."

It said a "precise definition" of "private aircraft" would be established, citing an intention to "exclude" members of the Jersey Aero Club and users of sustainable aviation fuel.

It said no additional resources would be allocated to this investigation.