👨🔧 Finlay Asher, Scottish aerospace engineer and think tank lead at Safe Landing, appeared on Times Radio this week to discuss increasing the rate of #privatejet #tax in Scotland with Hugo Rifkind:
Private jets are among the most carbon-intensive forms of transport: often over 10x more polluting than commercial flights per passenger.
Yet new Scottish ‘Air Departure Tax’ (ADT) levels are too low to meaningfully impact demand.
We, along with Oxfam Scotland, Patriotic Millionaires, Possible and the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland (WEAll) have called for:
✅ Significantly higher tax rates for private jets
✅ A rising tax trajectory over time
✅ Stronger policies to curb high-emission luxury flying
✅ Supporting zero-carbon flight
Read more about these proposals in our print coverage: https://www.thenational.scot/news/26479503.scottish-private-jet-tax-could-raise-400m-next-election/
Crucially, ADT can do more than raise revenue: it can also help to shape the future of air travel.
⚡ Scotland is well-placed to lead in zero-carbon regional aviation, particularly on Highlands & Islands routes.
With the right policy design, ADT could:
🔵 support early adoption of electric, hybrid or hydrogen aircraft;
🔵 create high-value jobs in engineering, manufacturing and operations;
🔵 position Scotland as a global leader in clean aviation;
🔵 attract new tourists who are excited to try zero-carbon flight.
Aviation can have a sustainable future, but only if policy is designed carefully.
By aligning taxes with emissions, targeting the highest emitters, and supporting zero-carbon innovation, Scotland has a unique opportunity to lead the way.
❓ What do you think? If you are an aviation worker, student or enthusiast keen to help navigate our industry towards more sustainable skies – join our community!: https://safe-landing.org/