The University of Kansas has spent $3.5 million of taxpayer money flying coaches and university administrators on 641 trips on private jets.

The university’s planes were bought by donors but taxpayers pay the costs of their operation. About two-thirds of those expenses were for flights by Kansas coaches and athletic administrators, and basketball coach Bill Self is the jet’s most frequent flier. He flew 118 trips on private jets since mid-2009, costing $1.2 million

Kansas officials contend the use of the jets save money when coaches or administrators have to go to remote locations in western Kansas or make quick trips to major U.S. cities. Tim Caboni, vice chancellor for public affairs, said the jets allow officials to use their time efficiently.

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Associated Press information from: Lawrence Journal-World