Overview: France's New Private Jet Tax
France has introduced a substantial new passenger tax on private jet flights departing from French airports, effective 1st March 2025. This tax ranges from €210 to €2,100 per passenger depending on aircraft type and flight distance, representing up to a 300% increase over previous aviation taxes. For Fliteline clients, this means significantly higher costs when departing from France, with a jet flight to another European destination incurring an additional €420 per passenger. The tax applies to all passengers regardless of flight purpose, with no current exemptions for business aviation, and is calculated based on standardised distances from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Private aviation operators and industry bodies have expressed serious concerns about the tax's potential impact on business travel and investment in France. Fliteline offers several strategies to mitigate these costs, including route optimisation, aircraft selection alternatives, and departure point considerations.
The New French Passenger Tax: Key Details
The French government has implemented a new Air Passenger Transport Tax (also known as the Solidarity Tax or TSBA - Taxe de Solidarité sur les Billets d'Avion) that applies to all passengers departing from French airports on private jets. This tax is part of France's 2025 budget and was first proposed in October 2024 by former Prime Minister Michel Barnier as one of several austerity measures.
The tax structure varies based on two primary factors:
- Flight distance (destination category)
- Aircraft type (turboprop or jet engine)
Additionally, domestic flights within France will incur an extra 10% VAT on top of these rates.
What This Means for Fliteline Clients
If you're planning to charter a private jet from France after 1st March 2025, here's what you need to know:
Financial Impact
The tax represents a significant increase in charter costs, with some routes seeing as much as a 300% increase over previous passenger taxes. For example:
- A jet flight from France to another European destination will incur an additional €420 per passenger
- A long-haul international flight on a jet aircraft will add €2,100 per passenger to your charter cost
To put this in perspective, a charter from Bordeaux to Marseille, then to Lyon before returning to Bordeaux, would add approximately €7,500 to a €12,000 charter.
How Is the Tax Calculated?
Several unique aspects of this tax are worth noting:
- Distance Calculation Method: All flight distances are calculated from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, regardless of your actual departure point in France. This standardised approach simplifies calculations but may not reflect the actual distance flown.
- Collection Responsibility: Aircraft operators (including Fliteline's partner operators) are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax, with potential penalties for non-compliance.
- Applicability to All Passengers: The tax applies to every passenger on board, including on empty leg flights.
- No Known Exemptions: Currently, there appear to be no exemptions for business aviation flights.
Industry Response and Market Impact
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has expressed serious concerns about the tax, suggesting it could have far-reaching consequences beyond just higher charter costs. According to the EBAA, this tax could:
- Cost France up to €120 billion in foreign investments by 2030
- Result in the loss of approximately 104,000 jobs as private jet travellers change their plans to avoid the added cost
The EBAA has challenged the tax on constitutional grounds, arguing there is "no objective difference between Air France and a business flight which can justify the different level of tax".
Strategic Solutions for Fliteline Travellers
As your dedicated air charter broker, Fliteline is committed to helping you navigate these changes with minimal disruption to your travel plans. Here are some strategies we can explore together:
Alternative Travel Planning Options
- Route Optimisation: We can help you plan itineraries that minimise exposure to higher tax bands where possible.
- Aircraft Selection: Choosing turboprop aircraft over jet engines when appropriate could significantly reduce the tax burden. For example, selecting a turboprop for European travel would save €210 per passenger compared to a jet aircraft.
- Alternative Departure Points: For some journeys, departing from airports in neighbouring countries might be more cost-effective. Airports in Belgium, Luxembourg, or Switzerland could offer viable alternatives depending on your starting location.
- Transparent Pricing: Fliteline will always provide clear, upfront information about all applicable taxes and fees so you can make informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the French Air Tax
When does the new tax take effect?
The new French passenger tax on private jets will come into force on 1st March 2025.
Does the tax apply to arrival flights into France?
No, the tax only applies to departures from French airports, not arrivals.
Can the tax be avoided by technical stops?
The tax applies to all departures from France, regardless of the purpose or duration of the stop.
How will this affect empty leg flights?
The tax applies to all passengers on board, even on empty leg flights, potentially making these less economical than before.
Conclusion
While the new French passenger tax represents a significant change for private aviation in France, Fliteline remains dedicated to providing you with exceptional service and value. Our team of experts is continuously monitoring these developments and is ready to help you adapt your travel plans accordingly.
For personalised advice on how these changes might affect your specific travel requirements, please contact your Fliteline account manager. We're here to ensure your private jet experience remains as seamless and enjoyable as possible, regardless of regulatory changes.
Key Takeaways
- France's new private jet passenger tax takes effect on 1st March 2025
- Tax rates range from €210 to €2,100 per passenger based on aircraft type and destination
- All passengers on private jet flights departing France are subject to the tax
- Fliteline offers several strategies to mitigate the impact, including alternative routing and aircraft selection
- Industry bodies predict significant economic impact, including potential job losses and reduced investment
Get in touch with any questions about your air charter needs
