Air transport makes a net contribution to public funds in the developed world
According to a recent study, air transport frequently makes a net contribution to public funds. This study compares road, rail and aviation in terms of infrastructure costs versus taxes and charges per 1,000 revenue-kilometre (000 rkm):
• Germany: aviation infrastructure costs represent US$ 112 per 000 rkm, while user charges and taxes generate US$ 125, thus resulting in a net surplus of US$13 per 000 rkm. Conversely, revenues from German rail users represent US$ 41 per 000 rkm, while infrastructure costs amount to US$ 107, thus resulting in a public subsidy of US$ 66 per 000 rkm.
• United Kingdom: aviation’s net contribution to public funds is around US$ 14 per 000 rkm while government subsidies for rail correspond to US$ 43.
• France: the situation is comparable with a net contribution of aviation to public funds of around US$ 83 per 000 rkm and government subsidies for rail of US$ 97.
Aviation pays for all of its infrastructure costs, and more, through taxes and user charges – making a net contribution to public funds in most developed States.