The Hindu : Front Page : Jet-sharing for the eco-conscious

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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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Jet-sharing for the eco-conscious

Karen McVeigh

It will begin with London, Dubai, Paris, Milan, Geneva
Environmentalists sceptical of scheme

London: It’s the ultimate dilemma for the seriously rich with a conscience — how to enjoy private jet travel without the guilt about carbon footprints. But now a scheme has been set up which claims to allow travellers the chance to cut their carbon emissions without compromising on the luxury and sheer convenience such flights offer.

Jet-sharing, based on the kind of car-sharing scheme popular with the eco-conscious, is the latest concept to emerge from Britain’s booming market in private jet hire.

Launched by Private Jet Club, a jet brokerage company based in the City of London, the service encourages members to avoid the expense and environmental impact of hiring an entire aircraft by sharing it with like-minded individuals.

“A lot of people like to have a stab at the super-rich,” said Alex Hunter, director of the Private Jet Club. “They see jet travel as unnecessary expenditure and unnecessary carbon emissions. But it is necessary for people whose itinerary cannot be dictated by commercial airlines.”

The company is focussing on those who would have a reason to share jets, such as persons with second homes in the south of France, or corporate clients. It will begin with London, Dubai, Paris, Milan and Geneva. It will also accommodate people who want to go football tournaments or shopping trips.

Environmentalists, however, are sceptical about the scheme. Jeff Gazzard, of the Aviation Environment Federation, said: “Obviously jet-sharing makes a bit of a difference, but it’s not saving the planet to fly three people in a transatlantic business jet when they could have done it on British Airways.” — © Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2008

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