Private jet use is soaring—and the U.S. is responsible for the most flights

Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles is one of the busiest general aviation hubs in the country, with a high volume of private jet flights. The airport serves as a storage location for private jets owned by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Elon Musk. According to a study by the International Council on Clean Transportation, Van Nuys is the third most polluting private airport in the world. Private jet use has been increasing, particularly in the United States, with 18 of the 20 largest airports for private jet use located in the country. Private jets have a significant carbon footprint, with one typical private jet emitting the same amount of greenhouse gases as 177 cars. The use of private jets has been growing, with an estimated 19.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, a 25% increase over the past decade. Aviation accounts for 2.5% of the world's emissions, and private jet use accounts for about 2% of global aviation emissions. Most private jet flights are short, lasting fewer than two hours, and two-thirds of all private jet flights in the world depart from US airports. To curb private jet use, some policymakers have proposed taxing private jet emissions or fuels, which could generate $3 billion annually for decarbonization efforts. The proposed tax would charge ultrawealthy travelers more for their pollution, with the goal of reducing the significant carbon footprint of private jet use.