HansJet confirms that its members remain exempt from the UK’s impending 50% Air Passenger Duty surcharge due to the weight profile of its Pilatus PC-12 fleet.

From April 2026, a 50% APD increase applies to private aircraft weighing over 20 tonnes, with charges reaching £1,141 per passenger on long-haul routes. From April 2027, the higher rate extends to aircraft weighing more than 5.7 tonnes. With a maximum take-off weight of 4.7 tonnes, the PC-12 sits below both thresholds, ensuring exemption through both phases.

The changes coincide with tightening environmental requirements. Since January 2025, the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation mandate requires flights departing EU airports to use a minimum 2% sustainable aviation fuel blend, rising to 6% by 2030. With SAF trading at a premium to conventional fuel, heavier jets face higher fuel compliance costs alongside increased taxation.

Industry analysis shows the European private aviation sector continuing to expand, with leisure travel comprising 45% of flights, up from 37% pre-pandemic. Analysts expect the April 2026 and 2027 deadlines to accelerate demand for lighter, more fuel-efficient platforms as operators and travellers assess long-term regulatory costs.

HansJet’s membership structure offers fixed hourly pricing, guaranteed availability and no ownership burden, positioning members to avoid capital depreciation, maintenance exposure and fluctuating charter rates as regulatory pressures increase.