EBAA France warns that France’s private charter sector could almost disappear within two to three years if elevated solidarity-tax rates remain unchanged. The passenger-based Taxe de solidarité sur les billets d’avion (TSBA), applied to commercial charter flights departing French airports, can reach €2,100 per passenger for long-haul business-jet flights—up to 50 times the charge levied on scheduled airline passengers.
The rates were increased in March 2025. EBAA France president Charles Aguettant described the measure as damaging French operators, while foreign-registered aircraft gain market share. The group’s figures show French operators’ share of charter activity falling from 14% to 9%, with activity declining by 10% to 15% in each quarter of 2026. At least two operators have ceased trading since the tax was introduced.
A parliamentary report presented in September acknowledged a decline in French operators’ activity and increased foreign competition. It recorded an 11% to 20% year-on-year reduction in French-registered charter movements, while foreign operators’ activity rose by 3% to 4%. Business aviation generated about €42 million in tax revenue, against a government target of €150 million.
EBAA France is lobbying during debate on the 2027 budget for lower or more balanced rates and stronger enforcement against foreign operators that allegedly fail to report flights or passenger numbers consistently. The parliamentary process is expected to continue until late November. Les Écologistes support higher passenger duties on private-jet flights, setting up an opposing position in the budget debate.