The aviation sector is regularly accused of contributing to global warming, and while airlines promise efforts, eyes are now turning to commercial aviation and, in particular, private jets, which for some represent an ecological scandal.
Amplified on social networks, the controversy reacted to the state leadership. in the columns of Parisian, the Minister of Transport Clément Beaune affirms “that we must act and regulate the flights of private jets”. “It becomes the symbol of a two-speed effort,” he acknowledges.
“Without falling into demagoguery, or ad hominem hunting, there are a series of behaviors that no longer happen. There are urgent reasons, economic imperatives, but it cannot be an individual mode of travel comfort, while the general mobilization initiated by the president requires an effort from all”, explains the minister.
France, the first European market for private jets
But concretely, what is the weight of this traffic in France? First of all, you should know that there are different types of jets on the market, ranging from very light business jets (Very Light Jets) that have up to 5 seats to heavy business jets (Large Jets) that can carry twenty passengers. . The market is mainly driven by private jet rentals, although some people choose to buy these machines.
According to the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) report for 2021, there were 243,189 business aircraft movements (departures and arrivals in France) last year, i.e. a growth of 2.5% compared to the year 2019.
France is therefore the leading market in Europe in terms of private aircraft movements. The world market is dominated by the United States and Europe, which account for 90% of the market activity and 77% of the world fleet of private jets.
An activity that does not suffer from price increases
Most are to and from Paris Le Bourget airport with 48,591 movements, including 2,596, to Nice Côte d’Azur in 2021, the most common intranational connection.
The covid crisis has been a catalyst for this market. “Since the end of the restrictions due to the health crisis, our activity has increased by 30% compared to 2019. This is unheard of. Before covid, commercial aviation was rather in a chronic decline of 1-2% per year, but as soon as the reopening, things changed”, explains Charles Clair, president of Aston Jet, one of the players in this sector, during the annual congress of the Fnam (National Federation of aviation and its professions).
Even price increases due to rising kerosene prices have not stopped this trend. “Even with prices going up 20/25%, the customers are there. Our real concern is spare parts. They cost two to three times more, but above all, sometimes you have to wait up to six months to get them”, she stresses. leader.
Source: BFM TV
