For those who are a bit more judicious with their cash but also love avoiding the general public and travelling in style, “private jet card” memberships are one option
The megarich are buying special cards that let them avoid the public when jetting off abroad.
Flying in a private jet may be one of the most environmentally destructive things that it’s possible to do, but that hasn’t put many billionaires off. More than 90 were flown to Venice for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding in June, according to reports, including Kylie Jenner’s lavish £53million personal plane.
According to CelebrityJets, the private jet spewed out an estimated 24 tons of carbon pollution, or the same as an average person would produce if they drove a petrol car around the world three times.
Despite repeated and increasingly loud warnings that the world’s population must rapidly cut its fossil fuel consumption if the ravages of climate change are to be mitigated, the message clearly isn’t getting through. Greenpeace analysis has found that private jet use is soaring.
READ MORE: Tensions erupt at UK’s most exclusive billionaire’s private jet fair
While destroying the planet isn’t an obstacle for the mega-rich flyer, the cost occasionally is. Going private can be hugely expensive. According to Fly Volato, private jets can cost £80million before any fuel has been bought or crew members hired.
For those who are a bit more judicious with their cash but also love avoiding the general public and travelling in style, “private jet card” memberships are a slick option to have up your sleeve, according to the Times.
The newspaper reports that the well-to-do pay from £75,000 for a block of flying hours which guarantees access to a private jet with 24-48 hours’ notice.”
One of the providers is Flexjet which describes its customers as “UHNW [ultra-high net worth] individuals, families, and companies”. Andrew Collins, the CEO of Flexjet, said: “A significant proportion have self-made wealth, distinguishing them as high-achieving entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders in sectors such as finance, real estate and technology.”
The services allow members to forgo the hassle and some of the associated costs of private jet ownership. However, there are downsides. About £375,000 typically buys 50 hours a year, but with some companies, extra monthly fees have to be paid on top of this.
During the busiest periods, such as Paris Fashion Week and Monaco Grand Prix weekend, the costs for even the smallest jets can shoot up to as much as £11,000 per flying hour.
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Those looking to buy a private jet outright often head to Elite London at Wycombe Air Park, on the outskirts of London. The event is aimed at those interested in buying a new private jet, upgrading their helicopter, or purchasing a second yacht. It also features a series of fun exhibits, including virtual golfing, clay pigeon shooting organised by the Churchill family’s gun firm, and IV drips for those who indulge in the onsite bar a little too much.
When the event was held this year, it became the target of environmental protesters. Climate Resistance protesters held up placards and chanted for the abolition of billionaires.
The campaigning group is calling for a 100% tax on assets over £10 million, alongside global wealth redistribution, an end to what it describes as “wage theft and worker exploitation”, and public investment in a “fair, worker-led energy transition.”
Climate Resistance targeted the fair due to the particularly high carbon costs associated with private jets and helicopters. Overall private aviation emissions increased by 46% between 2019-2023, with industry expectations of continued strong growth, according to one Nature journal Communications Earth & Environment study.
