Jet, Set, Go: Check GST rates on private aircraft, yachts and premium travel

Luxury flying and sailing will become markedly more expensive from September 22, with the GST Council raising levies on private aircraft, yachts and premium travel.

Aircraft for personal use — typically private jets and helicopters operated outside scheduled commercial services — were earlier taxed at 28% GST plus a 3% Compensation Cess, an effective rate of 31%. They will now fall under a flat 40% GST slab. The shift eliminates the cess mechanism and significantly raises the cost of acquisition and import for charter operators and ultra-high net worth individuals.