October 2023
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for writing to me about private jets.
The UK has set a legally binding target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Aviation, a major contributor to emissions, must play its part. The Government's ambition is that UK domestic aviation will be net zero by 2040, and that the wider aviation sector will be net zero by 2050.
Technical consultation and analysis as part of the Government's Jet Zero programme showed that the aviation sector can achieve net zero without the need for Government intervention to limit aviation growth. The Government's stated aim is to preserve the ability for people to fly whilst supporting consumers to make sustainable aviation travel choices. To begin delivering this vision, the Government is spearheading a British-led consortium of companies, including Virgin Atlantic, Rolls-Royce, and Boeing, to conduct the first ever net zero transatlantic flight using sustainable aviation fuel. You can read more about this here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/worlds-first-net-zero-transatlantic-flight-to-fly-from-london-in-2023
Regarding taxation, in a consultation on aviation tax reform between March and June 2021, the Government asked whether a frequent flyer levy could replace Air Passenger Duty (APD) as the principal tax on the aviation sector. Following the consultation, the Government published its response, stating that it was inclined to retain APD as the principal tax on the aviation sector, noting in particular concerns about the administrative complexity and privacy of a frequent flyer levy.
You can read more about the consultation here: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-aviation-tax-reform
Please be assured that I will continue to monitor developments in this area closely and where appropriate I will certainly raise your concerns in conversation with relevant transport ministers.
Thank you again for writing to me.
With best wishes.
Kind regards,
Jonathan Lord MP
Member of Parliament for Woking