By Dela Ahiawor (Sustainability Editor)
Private jet travel is surging and expected to reach new heights in 2026 with mega events like the: FIFA World Cup, Winter Olympics and Commonwealth Games looming.
It’s worth noting that, the boom in private jet travel is due to high demand from prominent guests and high rollers in society, who for their high-end lifestyle seek exclusive travel.
In this era of environmental awareness, the need arises to zero in on the cons of flying private (business) jets. The reason being that, private flights are very polluting as compared to traditional (commercial flights). Just so your are aware, private jet travel prioritizes soft life (convenience, privacy and luxury) to the detriment of the environment as they contribute to increasing global temperatures.
Furthermore, private jets burn conventional jet fuel (kerosene-based), a non- renewable energy source which drives climate change by emitting greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. Besides, private jets are energy- intensive, guzzling tonnes of fuel with high per capita emissions. A private jet’s annual emissions is about 810 tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs) equivalent to about 177 passenger cars ( cars with no more that eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat).
Between (2019-2023 luxury air travel was responsible for 9.93% increase in carbon emissions annually. With 8,100 private jets expected to be operational by 2033, global carbon emissions are expected to increase. This runs counter to global efforts needed to limit global warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
As we are all aware, tackling global warming needs all hands to the pump. This means private aviation must play its part by reducing its carbon emissions, failing this, the global battle against climate change cannot be won.
With this unvarnished truth, aviation companies are taking steps to address aircraft emissions by developing sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and incorporating carbon offsets (buying credits that removes GHGs) into their sustainability strategies.
To reach this goal, global aviation company, George J. Priester Aviation recently partnered with 4AIR, the global leader in business aviation sustainability, to help reduce aircraft emissions associated with climate change.
Madison Priester, Director of Marketing & Sustainability at at George J. Priester Aviation explained: “we believe that leadership in aviation means not only providing exceptional service, but also being responsible stewards of our environment. Partnering with 4AIR allows us to give our clients meaningful options to offset and reduce their emissions today, while we work toward a more sustainable future for private aviation through the advancement of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.”
Unlike conventional jet (kerosene based) fuel which is highly polluting, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) made from renewable sources, like cooking oil and agricultural waste is less polluting.
Now George J. Priester Aviation’s clients can opt-in to reduce their carbon footprint generated from flight activity, beginning with the use of verified carbon offsets, with the option to support Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) coming in the near future.
Each carbon offset corresponds to a verified reduction or avoidance of one metric ton of carbon dioxide, supported by projects that meet strict criteria and standards. As the most viable near-term solution to reducing emissions in aviation, SAF reduces the lifecycle carbon footprint of aviation fuel by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel, offering a significant reduction in the sector’s direct emissions. 4AIR’s sustainability programs specifically tailored to business aviation allow users to support science-based, independently verified emissions reduction projects across the globe.
The partnership with 4AIR extends across George J. Priester Aviation’s full range of services — including aircraft management, charter and jet card programs.
This means that every client, whether they own, operate or charter aircraft through the Priester family of companies, can take part in meaningful sustainability initiatives. Participants can choose to offset the carbon impact of their flights or contribute to the advancement of SAF production, ensuring that responsible environmental stewardship is available to every type of private aviation user.
Nancy Bsales, Chief Operating Officer of 4AIR said: “Our collaboration with George J. Priester Aviation reflects a growing commitment among operators to lead on sustaining aviation.”
Carbon offset offers an opportunity for private jets to show their commitment to the environment by compensating for emissions resulting from their activity.
That’s why, George J. Priester is offering carbon offset options in the bid to make it simple for aircraft owners to participate in meaningful climate action.
