A group of eight countries are pushing to tax premium-class flyers (first- and business- class tickets, and private jets) in a bid to raise funds for climate action and sustainable development.
The coalition was launched on June 30 by France, Kenya, Barbados, Spain, Somalia, Benin, Sierra Leone and Antigua & Barbuda. It will be supported by the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, which has the mandate to explore options for resources for climate and development. The task force is co-chaired by Kenya, Barbados and France and the European Commission will provide technical support.
According to a statement by the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, the coalition aims to improve domestic revenue mobilisation of developing countries and support international solidarity.
“We have to mobilise global solidarity levies. We have made progress on maritime and now on aviation there is a huge step forward. Having Spain (in our premium flyers coalition) is very good news. I urge all possible countries to join this international framework,” said Emmanuel Macron, President of France.
The coalition will work to increase the number of countries applying flight ticket levies, including on premium travel, and to tax private jets. Proposals for the use of the proceeds will also be developed.
“In our proposal, member states will commit to introduce a ticket levy on premium flyers if they don’t have one; increase their ticket levy if they have one and make it more progressive for upward harmonisation; and for all countries to introduce a significant tax on private jets,” said Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships of France, Thani Mohamed-Soilihi.
