Cleaner Tech
Hydrogen-Powered Private Jets Can Cut Emissions — If They Can Get Off the Ground
Private jet travel is the most carbon-intensive form of flying. Startups are promising a future of emissions-free hydrogen power.
Grounds crew assist a private jet at the Sao Paulo Catarina International Executive Airport.
Photographer: Maira Erlich/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
From Taylor Swift and Kylie Jenner to Elon Musk, celebrities have come under scrutiny for using private jets, which are huge emitters.
Aviation is responsible for more than 2% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, and private jets are the most carbon-intensive form of air travel. A 2021 report found that some private jets emit two tons of CO2 per hour — at least five times more pollution per passenger than commercial flights. That’s 50 times worse than trains.