France’s newly adopted 2025 budget introduces significant solidarity tax rate increases that will have a major financial impact on business aviation commercial flights, meaning flights operated for remuneration.

Effective March 1, 2025, these changes include higher tax rates, more detailed destination bands, and expanded tax categories specifically affecting business aircraft operators. While these increases are part of France’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and encourage greener travel, business aviation is caught in the crosshairs with sharp rate hikes on non-scheduled flights, especially for mid-range and long-haul operations.

Here’s how the new tax structure will affect your business aviation operations.

Higher Tax Rates for Business Aircraft

Business aircraft operators will see some of the largest tax increases, particularly for flights using turbojet aircraft on mid-range and long-haul routes. Below is a breakdown of the new tax rates applicable to business aviation commercial and non-scheduled operators:

Example: A long-haul flight on a business jet with 10 passengers will now incur a solidarity tax of 21,000€, a substantial increase compared to the previous rates.

Impact on Business Aviation Operators

The 2025 solidarity tax represents a significant cost increase for business aviation commercial operators, particularly for operators flying long-haul or using turbojet aircraft. These changes will likely increase operational expenses, forcing many operators to reconsider route planning, pricing strategies, and overall operational efficiency.

According to recent coverage in The Guardian, the French government justifies these changes as part of an effort to reduce carbon emissions and shift demand toward greener forms of transport. However, this approach leaves business aviation operators disproportionately affected, given the higher tax rates applied to their operations compared to standard commercial services.

What Should Business Aviation Operators Do Next?

1. Evaluate Your Routes: Review your flight schedules and destinations to understand where these new taxes will have the most significant financial impact.
2. Assess the Tax Category: Ensure you are aware of how your aircraft configuration and service offering affect your tax classification.
3. Coordinate with Trip Support Teams: Work with your trip support and tax compliance teams to confirm proper tax application and explore potential savings through alternative routing.

If you have questions or need help adjusting your operations to comply with these new regulations, reach out to your Universal Trip Support team. We’re here to help you navigate these changes and minimize their impact on your operations.