Blog Post #2

Article title: Flying shame: the scandalous rise of private jets

Written date: January 26, 2023

Source: The Guardian, by Emine Saner

URL:flying-shame-the-scandalous-rise-of-private-jets

Summary: The UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak, was called "like an A-list celeb" on social media for taking a private jet three times in ten days for a short trip, including his recent flight from London to Blackpool in a 14-seat RAF jet with 230 miles covered in approximately three hours by train. Transport & Environment, an organization that campaigns for clean transport in Europe, argues that the British government once stated that they wanted to see more citizens utilizing public transport, walking, and cycling, and committed to net zero by 2050, but the government's actions deny this statement. The use of personal aircraft needs to be considered since it is environmentally harmful, and it also decreases the fuel efficiency of planes when traveling short distances. People have also seen private jets as an exclusive form of travel for celebrities. However, the environmental group is seeking a way to reduce carbon emissions from aviation through the use of sustainable and alternative fuels in the future. This is because presently, there is no possible solution to reduce climate emissions from aviation other than flying less. 

Reactions: According to the article, a spokesperson on social media shamed Mr. Prime Minister for flying too many private jets on his short flights. This is because he can take a train, which covers approximately the same distance as a personal aircraft. Although, I can't deny it: Using private jets for official work with the aims of privacy, security, or to save the lives of influential people such as the President, Prime Minister, and Royal family as well as using private jets for urgent aid with the aims of saving time is more reasonable than using private jets to show off how glamorous life is on social media. For example: H.R.H Grand Henri Duke of Luxembourg. He is one of the influential dukes in Europe but once he came to Laos from 5th to 9th December, 2022. He took a Thai Smile commercial plane rather than a private jet. Another reason may be that social media has influenced people to have luxury lifestyles. There are pros and cons to taking a personal plane as shown in the article. However, we should consider the private jet crisis in terms of a luxury lifestyle or an environment that provides more benefits and survives longer. 

Questions: 

- What is the real purpose of flying private jets nowadays?

- Is sustainable aviation fuel safe?

- Is it better to fly first class or private jet?

- How to change or rebuild people's value of luxurious life that is shown on social media?

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