Their point was a bit more subtle, it meant that EU carriers would effectively be penalized relative to non-EU carriers operating in the EU, because other agree

Their point was a bit more subtle, it meant that EU carriers would effectively be penalized relative to non-EU carriers operating in the EU, because other agreements precluded applying the tax to those (non-EU) carriers. Means they need another tool. The exception for private jets seems hard to defend though, whether business or pleasure.