Private Jets are Becoming More Accessible

By Kaelie Piscitello

Private jets get a bad reputation for destroying the air quality due to all the carbon exhaust they emit. Most people cannot afford to hire or own private jets; however, their emissions still can significantly impact the climate.

As a result, environmentalists have brought celebrities and other important figures into the limelight, shaming their frequent use of these vehicles.

In addition to this, most people cannot afford to use private jets. However, some new companies have recently emerged offering more affordable rates.

More About the Impact Private Jets Have on the Environment

Airplanes emit damaging carbon fuels when they operate.

On average, planes produce around 53 pounds of carbon dioxide each mile they fly. As a result, all passengers contribute to air pollution when they fly. However, Transport and Environment found people flying on private jets emit 10-20 times as much fuel as the average person flying commercially.

Many people fly on private jets for short-haul flights with destinations they could have reached with another mode of transportation. For example, to attend the 2022 World Economic Forum in Switzerland, 53% of the people journeying to the event via private jet traveled fewer than 470 miles.

The CO2 emissions from private jets people used to get there added up to an equivalent of 350,000 cars. Though one might argue a plane travels faster than other modes of transportation, those already located in Europe could have utilized the sustainable train system to get there instead.

Environmentally Friendly Private Jet Companies

Surf Air

To entice eco-friendly travelers, some private jet companies, including Surf Air, have begun working to lower their carbon dioxide emissions. 

Surf Air wants to improve sustainability in private jets by piloting hybrid electric aircraft and introducing the concept of “green flying” to its customers.

Turning Gas Planes into Electric Planes

Surf Air plans to take 15,000 existing small planes traveling short distances and upgrade them with electrified power trains.

The company believes upgrading the vehicles will reduce the cost of transportation and carbon emissions.

By implementing new sustainable technologies, Surf Air hopes to eventually bring down the pollution expenditure and cost of a flight to equal that of driving there, making the services more affordable and eco-friendly for travelers.

According to Surf Air’s website, their services help people access all 5,000 public airports within the United States, and their planes provide passengers with the fastest way to travel up to 500 miles. Surf Air also claims their aircraft teams know their passengers by name, leading to a more personalized experience for travelers.

Blade

Another private jet company aiming to lower its environmental impact is Blade, a charter jet service claiming to consider safety and customer service as its top priorities. In addition to private jets, Blade offers customers the chance to ride in helicopters and turboprops. Each flight pairs customers with a flier-relations advocate managing and monitoring each person’s flight.

Blade allows customers to crowdsource as its main environmentally friendly initiative. When crowdsourcing, buyers with empty seats in their private jet can choose to sell the vacancies to other people traveling to the same destination.

Crowdsourcing maximizes efficiency and lowers carbon emissions because everyone takes the carpool route instead of their jet. Crowdsourcing is an excellent option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint; however, passengers should note when they agree to crowdsource, they cannot alter their departure times.

Cheaper Private Jet Company Options

JetASAP

Unlike most companies that charge customers thousands of dollars per private flight, JetASAP has an abundance of offers for its customers.

If a customer chooses to purchase the jetASAP package, they will only spend $399 per year and receive unlimited access to their services. Right now, a deal exists offering customers a one-year membership for $99.

Depending on the number of times per year a customer flies, the price decreases, offering many chances to save.

In addition to the low prices, an app exists called JetRATE that includes an intelligent pricing tool, alerts customers to the amount of money they save each flight, lets customers connect with an operator to book, and matches customers with the perfect trip option for them.

Jettly

Jettly, meanwhile, shows clients the best offers regarding all private jet flights. To gain access to these deals, customers visit the Jettly website and type in their desired starting location and destination, and travel dates. Deeming itself the “Expedia of private jets,” the Jettly website then provides the customer with the optimal flights and their prices. Customers save even more by purchasing a membership.

Though the prices still may seem expensive for the average traveler, for those looking for a luxurious vacation where they drop a few more bucks, Jettly provides them with an optimal experience.

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