Well, the article claims that Branson's company paid for the fuel and a state board covered the rest of the cost through private donations. If this is true (who is it that is donating $4500 to fly a billionaire around in a private jet?) then it's a wash for the taxpayers, and it's better for the airplane to be used than to sit.
What I don't understand is why Branson didn't just charter a jet. It's not like he or his company can't afford it. This way just made the NM government look silly because (at least as per this thread) some people won't read the article carefully and think the state is paying to fly Branson around.
The NM government IS silly....predominantly democrat and as corrupt as possible. State treasurer just had to resign because he was indicted on felony charges regarding kickbacks on millions of state investments. I love NM, but have to just hold my nose at the stench of the dems, from Richardson on down.