Mark Zuckerberg is the founder and CEO of social media giant, Facebook.
He has become one of the wealthiest individuals in the world and today has a net worth estimated at US$89 billion.
Given his wealth, it is natural to wonder if he has bought a private jet.
The answer is, yes, Mark Zuckerberg does own a private jet.
According to Forbes magazine, Zuckerberg purchased a $737 million Bombardier Challenger 850 in March 2011.
The plane is well equipped for luxury air travel, boasting a fully enclosed lavatory and cabin climate control, as well as satellite communications and video conferencing capabilities.
It is bigger than most private jets, allowing it to fly up to 7 passengers with onboard amenities like a large flat-screen television, internet and satellite radio.
Mark Zuckerberg also requested an exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration’s regulations so that he can fly the plane privately and use it for travel across the world.
This exemption was approved in June 2020 – a decision which caused controversy as private aircraft are still considered more environmentally damaging than commercial airlines.
Wired magazine interviewed Hallie Bram Kogelschatz, an aviation expert at the University of Southern California, who said: “Mark Zuckerberg is not alone in owning a private jet in the tech world.
Steve Jobs and Larry Ellison have/had private jets, as well as many other billionaires.
These aircrafts are used for business trips but, more often, as personal convenience and luxury.
The cost of owning a jet such as Mark Zuckerberg’s Bombardier Challenger 850 can easily reach US$6 to US$7 million a year.”
Zuckerberg’s current jet is one of many that he owns.
In addition to the Bombardier Challenger 850, he is also believed to own an Aerion AS2, which is a revolutionary business jet with a retail price of US$120 million.
According to Bloomberg, the plane is the first of its kind designed to travel both faster than the speed of sound and considerably quieter.
The plane is state-of-the-art and features a “supersonic range”, meaning it can travel farther and faster than other traditional jets.
It also includes a hybrid electric propulsion system for added performance and improved fuel efficiency.
This allows it to reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.5 and can fly from LA to Paris in less than six hours.
The Benefits of Owning a Private Jet
Having a private jet obviously has its perks.
The most obvious of these is the convenience that it allows.
For someone as busy as Mark Zuckerberg, the ability to travel on his own schedule seems to be invaluable.
With a private jet, he can avoid long waits and security lines as well as the hassle of having to book and qualify through commercial airlines.
Another benefit of owning a private jet is the ability to travel in comfort and privacy.
A private jet provides a more relaxed and stress-free environment where Mark Zuckerberg can conduct business and personal meetings without having to worry about prying eyes or unwanted attention.
Finally, a private jet provides safety, efficiency and reliability.
Private jets can fly passengers to their destination faster than commercial flights, in more comfortable and reliable manner.
The peace of mind that comes with such travel is something that can be difficult to come by any other way.
The Impact on the Environment
Unfortunately, the increased use of private jets does come with its own environmental implications.
Comparing emissions from commercial aircraft to those of private jets, the private aircraft does appear to have a much higher carbon footprint.
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the emissions from private jets are up to four times greater emissions than those from commercial airlines.
In addition, private jets need to land at various locations.
This creates more noise pollution and disturbs the surrounding environment.
The more take-offs and landings that are made, the more fuel is used and air pollution increases.
Furthermore, in order to meet the needs of private jet passengers, airports must install more sophisticated equipment and infrastructure.
These developments have caused significant damage to local habitats, such as cutting down of trees to build runways, and disruption to local wildlife.
Is It Ethical to Own a Private Jet?
For some, the luxury of owning a private jet is seen as a symbol of extravagance that they associate with the wealthy.
Recently, the proliferation of billionaires has only exacerbated this idea, resulting in stronger feelings of resentment and anger among some sections of society.
However, questions remain as to whether it is ethical for those with great wealth, such as Mark Zuckerberg, to own private jets when so many are suffering in poverty.
Ethicist and philosopher David Hume argued that, on the whole, it is not unethical to own a private jet.
Hume argued that it is ultimately up to each individual to use their wealth as they see fit and that, as long as it is within their rights to do so, it is not morally wrong.
John Rawls, another philosopher, argued that inequality is necessary for an equal society.
Rawls proposed that economic inequality should be kept within reasonable limits and that those with more should use their resources to benefit others.
He believed that inequality is justified if it benefits the worst off in society.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Charitable Efforts
Mark Zuckerberg has used his wealth for a variety of largely-charitable purposes.
He and his wife Priscilla Chan established the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative in 2015, which has the objective of “advancing human potential and promoting equality in areas such as health, education, scientific research and energy.”
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has a number of projects in areas such as science, education, and health.
Through this Initiative, Mark and Priscilla are striving to create opportunities, reduce inequality and ensure that everyone has access to the best possible resources and opportunities available.
In addition to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan have donated to a number of other charitable organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the NAACP, and local charities in the Bay Area.
Mark Zuckerberg has also pledged to give away 99% of his Facebook shares to charity over the course of his lifetime.
He has so far donated over US$1.3 billion to various charitable and philanthropic causes.
Conclusion
Mark Zuckerberg does indeed own a private jet, as well as an Aerion AS2.
The billionaire is able to use them for personal convenience and luxury, along with business trips.
However, the environmental impact of owning a private jet is clear. Furthermore, there is an ethical dimension to the matter, with some challenging the idea that Mark Zuckerberg should be able to enjoy the fruits of luxury while so many suffer in poverty.
Despite this, Mark Zuckerberg has also put his wealth to good use by donating to a range of charitable and philanthropic causes.
He has so far donated over US$1.3 billion to various charitable and philanthropic causes, and is also behind the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which has a noble objective.
