In a bid to raise taxes to further its environmental initiatives, France has decided that it will increase airline taxes.
The French government has announced plans to raise airline taxes to fund its railways.
Airline Geeks reports that the higher tax will apply to first-class and business-class tickets.
MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS
For France, these airline taxes are part of new efforts to promote train travel – and thereby helping to achieve environmental goals.
The increase will be included in France’s 2024 finance bill. It is expected to generate almost €100 million by 2027.
FIRST AND BUSINESS-CLASS AIRLINE TICKETS
French transport minister Clément Beaune said that this tax will only apply to first and business-class tickets.
This is because the passengers who fly in these classes are not as sensitive to price increases as passengers in economy class.
RAIL EFFICIENCY IN FRANCE
France has already placed restrictions on its aviation industry by banning several short-haul routes.
It banned short-haul domestic flights of under a two-and-a-half-hour duration, on routes where rail services exist.
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TAXING PRIVATE AVIATION
In October 2022, France imposed restrictions on private jets by increasing taxes on aviation fuel. Thus, bringing these taxes in line with those imposed on cars.
Private jets are often cited as bigger pollutants per person because they burn similar amounts of fuel but carry significantly fewer people.
While a domestic narrowbody aircraft operated by a commercial airline can carry between 150 and 180 people, private jets usually carry up to a dozen people.
ENVIRONMENTAL GAINS
Though the move impacted only a few flights, it was one of the most aggressive actions taken to limit aviation because of its environmental impact.
The aviation sector has for years been urged to reduce its environmental impact.
The sector is, however, not the most polluting form of transportation.
It is responsible for only around 2 percent of global carbon emissions.
