New Report "High Flyers 2026" Reveals How Private Jets Costs Taxpayers and the Planet

A new report from the Institute for Policy Studies, “High Flyers 2026,” says demand for private jets is rising alongside infrastructure expansion—such as hangars and runway capacity—while critics argue taxpayers and the environment are picking up much of the bill. The report estimates private jets and charters make up about 16% of FAA-handled flight operations, while noncommercial private jets account for 7% of airspace activity but contribute less than 0.6% of taxes to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. It also cites high emissions, with direct carbon up to 10–14 times higher per passenger than commercial aviation, and notes lobbying by the National Business Aviation Association. It adds that a 10% luxury tax on used jets and 5% on new jets could have raised over $3 billion in 2025.