Drake has been taking a beating over the past few days after fans criticized his decision to use a private jet. Since last week, a Twitter account by the name @Celebjets, has gained over 266 likes after sharing a report that the OVO rapper’s private jet took a 14-minute flight on a private jet.
The flight from Hamilton, Ontario, to Toronto reportedly covered 38 miles and used 1,522 liters of fuel and four tons of CO2 emissions. According to Celebrity Jets, the total cost for the fuel would be an estimated $2,729.
Drake has since responded, saying the flight was a logistical trip from one airport to another, and he wasn’t even on board, NME reported.
“This is just them moving planes to whatever airport they are being stored at for anyone who was interested in the logistics,” Drake wrote from the Instagram account of Real Toronto News. “Nobody takes that flight.”
Still, fans were outraged and criticized Drake’s choice to use a private jet for a short flight as opposed to a cheaper form of transportation. Many raised questions about global climate, and polluting the environment. Not to mention, the rich and famous artist was also named on The Guardian’s list of celebrities who took short private jet flights between June and July 2022. However, their reports reveal Drake took an-18 minute flight from Hamilton to Toronto.
“I’m not surprised people are upset, they are right to be mad at this,” Jack Sweeney, creator of the Celebrity Jets account, told the outlet.
Kylie Jenner also has been under fire for short-hops in her private jet as well, the latest was just 17 minutes, according to Celebrity Jets.
If this report is accurate, this means Drake has taken six short private jet flights in the last month. The Real Toronto News also picked up the story on Instagram, where the “Flights Booked” rapper clarified what happened in the comments, confirming he was not on the jet.
Drake owns a Boeing 767-200 with a completely customized interior, according to Simple Flying. Air Drake is reportedly complete with gold detailing on the aircraft walls; an entertainment/theatre room; at least three fully-enclosed private suites; and velvet couches.
The aircraft, reportedly worth $200 million, can seat 30 passengers and s painted baby blue on the exterior.
Of course, there are other alternatives to avoid excessive pollution and Nikita Pavlenko, Fuels Team Lead at the International Council on Clean Transportation, wishes celebrities would use them.
“These short flights have emissions that are small in relative terms but per person they are staggering,” she explained to The Guardian. “Aviation emissions are growing exponentially year over year and private jet pollution is growing more than general aviation. Aviation decarbonization is largely all talk and little substance in the US.”
Pavlenko hopes celebrities will “ditch the planes” and set a better example as influencers. She said, “At the very least, they should exhibit some leadership and use sustainable fuels or a zero emissions plane when that becomes available.”
