Minister's costly trip bill sparks crackdown on official use of private jets

French ministers seeking to hire private jets for official travel will now require authorization from the Prime Minister’s Office, according to a recently circulated government diktat. The clamp-down came after a French minister hired a private jet for 116,500 euros.

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon distributed a circular earlier this week, according to French media reports, informing ministers that “the hiring of commercial aviation business is from now on subject to an authorization of the Prime Minister".

The note from Fillon’s chief of staff called on ministers to "lead by example” and stressed that "members of government should be exemplary in a period when everyone has to make efforts".
 
The clampdown followed a March 23 trip by French Cooperation Undersecretary Alain Joyandet to attend an international conference on Haiti in the French overseas territory of Martinique. Joyandet hired a private jet that cost 116,500 euros for a round trip, sparking criticisms from the press.
 
According to the French daily, Le Parisien, Fillon met Joyandet to discuss the matter Thursday afternoon. 

Prior to the new clearance requirements, French ministers could use government aircraft based on availability, but could use his or her “discretion” to rent a private plane.

Before Joyandet, other ministers had also sparked controversy for their use of private jets. Former Secretary of State for Overseas Territories Christian Estrosi was singled out when he used a private plane for a trip to Washington in January 2008. The bill was 138,000 euros.