A billionaire CEO and outspoken climate change crusader has ditched his $80 million private jet for a commercial flight – just weeks after facing backlash for using the highly polluting aircraft while preaching about saving the planet.
Atlassian boss Mike Cannon-Brookes came under fire in March for buying an emissions-belching, multimillion-dollar Bombardier 7500.
A single private jet emits as much carbon dioxide in an hour as the average person does in an entire year, with private flights 14 times more polluting (per passenger) than a commercial plane.
In less than a year, his Bombardier Global 7500 has flown more than 440,000 kilometres – the equivalent of travelling to the moon and starting the journey back – across four continents and 43 airports.
His globe-trotting itinerary reads like a billionaire’s bucket list: European capitals, American national parks, luxury Pacific resorts, and high-octane Formula One events.
According to flight data collated by The Australian, the jet has spent over 531 hours in the air, nearly 22 full days, and has flown on 309 separate days since last September.
Analysts estimate the carbon dioxide emissions from Mr Cannon-Brookes’ flights would be enough to power a town of 2,400 homes for a year.
But following major backlash over his private jet use, Mr Cannon-Brookes was seen strolling through Sydney Airport on Monday after a commercial flight from Los Angeles.
The businessman was just one of a crowd of passengers who had embarked on the overnight, long-distance flight.
Atlassian boss Mike Cannon Brookes (pictured) returned to Sydney on a commercial plane
His arrival indicated that he had chosen not to use his controversial private jet
Wearing a black t-shirt and bomber jacket with beige trousers, he wheeled his carry-on bag, but no checked-in luggage, to the valet service.
Despite flying around the world in a private jet, Mr Cannon-Brookes previously warned the world needs to change its eating habits by adding insects to its daily diet if the planet is to feed a global population of eight billion.
As part of his climate change agenda, Mr Cannon-Brookes became AGL’s largest shareholder in 2022, purchasing an 11 per cent stake to pressure the company into accelerating its move to renewable energy.
He used his influence to block AGL’s proposed demerger, which would have extended the life of its coal-fired power plants, and publicly called AGL ‘one of the most toxic companies on the planet’ due to its high carbon dioxide emissions.
After purchasing the private jet, Mr Cannon-Brookes admitted he had a ‘deep internal conflict’ about buying the aircraft given his stance on climate change, but ultimately decided his interests were the priority and continued to use the plane.
‘There’s a couple of reasons I’ve purchased a plane. Personal security is the primary reason… but also so I can run a global business from Australia, and still be a constantly present dad,’ he said.
‘So, this is a hard, continual trade-off I’ve decided to make.’
Mr Cannon-Brookes defended his private jet use by pointing to what he described as an ‘extremely rigorous carbon regime’ applied to his flights, including sustainable aviation fuel and direct air capture technology.
He was seen approaching valet after strolling through the terminal with other passengers
An avid climate change campaigner, Mr Cannon-Brookes once urged Australians to eat insects to save the planet and solve the issue of feeding a global population
Mr Cannon-Brookes walked through Sydney International Airport with his carry-on bag
‘These options aren’t practical for commercial flights but are viable privately,’ he told The Australian.
‘This means my flights actually have a net negative carbon footprint.’
But now it appears the media storm over his private jet use has impacted him – as he returns to commercial jets like the rest of us.
