Corporate Jets 16 Percent Of Aviation Systems' Costs, Pay Only 3 Percent

As the debate continues to slowly boil over who will pay for the post of upgrading our nation’s aged aviation infrastructure, the FAA is drawing attention to how corporate jets pay disproportionately lower taxes compared to commercial jets.

This sexy graph, referenced by departing FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey (her next job is as CEO of an aerospace lobbying group) in her July 12, 2007 testimony before the Senate Committee on Finance, on Financing the Next Generation Air Transportation System, shows how an airline’s b767 pays $3,600 in taxes, while a corporate Gulfrstream pays $300. Both cost the FAA the same amount.

To be fair, though, the B767 has the benefit of being able to levy taxes from all of its passengers, while the Gulfstream only has personal golden caviar spigots at each seat, and pillows stuffed with the hair of 30,000 Vestal Virgins.

Statement of Marion C. Blakey, Administrator [FAA via Washington Post]

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