Last month, ownership of one of Taylor Swift's private jets changed, reducing her fleet to one, amid prior criticism of her aviation choices. Studies have shown that aviation emissions are outpacing other transportation modes, emphasizing the need for cleaner alternatives and technology in flying.
Taylor Swift attends the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Taylor Swift's Private Jet Down to One
On January 30, Taylor Swift relinquished ownership of her Dassault Falcon 900, as indicated by the Federal Aviation Authority's website. The aircraft, previously listed under SATA LLC, linked to Taylor Swift Productions in Nashville, had been acquired by Swift's holding company in 2009, according to FAA records.
Presently, the jet is registered with a Missouri-based company incorporated in 2006, which did not respond to Business Insider's inquiry. Details about the transaction remain unclear, but a new Dassault 900 is priced at $44 million, as per Business Jet Traveler.
Until January, Swift owned two private jets: the Dassault 900 and a Dassault 7X, with the latter still registered to Island Jet Inc., associated with Taylor Swift Productions. The Dassault 900 accommodates 12 passengers, while the 7X has a slightly larger cabin, carrying up to 16 passengers for longer flights.
The last known flight of the Dassault 900 was on January 30, traveling from Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri, based on JetSpy data. If Swift doesn't use her 7X plane for upcoming events, fans speculate she may charter a private plane.
Swift has faced criticism for her private jet usage, topping a 2022 list of celebrities with high private jet carbon emissions. In response, her spokesperson mentioned Swift's purchase of carbon credits to offset the environmental impact.
Previously, Swift has used FAA's privacy ICAO aircraft address program but college student Jack Sweeney, who tracks celebrity flights, shared Swift's travel data on social media.
Swift's legal team responded with a cease-and-desist letter, accusing Sweeney of "stalking and harassing behavior" for publicizing the flight details. Sweeney defended his actions, asserting that tracking public information is expected, given the public's interest in celebrities' activities.
Aviation's Climate Impact: Emissions Surge, Sustainable Measures Urged Amidst Soaring Environmental Concerns
Aviation significantly contributes to climate change, with emissions stemming from the combustion of fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide and non-carbon dioxide effects like nitrogen oxides, vapor trails, and cloud formation. These non-carbon dioxide effects, responsible for two-thirds of aviation's climate impact in 2018, contribute twice as much to global warming as carbon dioxide.
Emissions from aviation have more than doubled from 1990 to 2019, and if unchecked, could double by 2050, consuming over 10% of the remaining carbon budget to stay below 1.5°C of warming.
While the Paris Agreement includes aviation, global measures, such as CORSIA, are being pursued through the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Addressing aviation's non-carbon dioxide impacts, the report suggests measures like using clean fuels, altering flight paths, and exploring zero-emission aircraft.
Alternative fuels like e-kerosene show promise, but their scalability depends on renewable energy sources. Zero-emission aircraft, such as hydrogen or electric planes, may reduce emissions for shorter ranges with significant funding required by the mid-2030s.
With current challenges in emission reduction, flying less emerges as a key solution. Shifting to sustainable transport modes, embracing teleconferencing, and reducing corporate travel are advocated.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced corporate travel showcased the feasibility of emissions reduction through demand reduction, urging policymakers to consider sustainable practices amidst the sector's soaring emissions.
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