European attempts to enforce its emissions trading scheme on airlines may undermine a global solution to curb aviation's environmental damage and risk a trade war, IATA claims.
The International Air Transport Association, which represents 240 airlines worldwide, reiterated its call for the EU to drop its “unilateral and extra-territorial” scheme, which is opposed by several major powers, some of whom have hinted at retaliatory measures.
Tony Tyler, the chief executive of IATA, said the emissions trading scheme (ETS) was “not a stepping stone” to meeting global environmental targets. “It's a polarising obstacle that is preventing real progress.” He said a global solution, negotiated through the International Civil Aviation Organisation, needed to be agreed, and that there were “concrete proposals” that could be agreed in 2013.
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The planned EU levy on airlines will be calculated based on carbon emissions for entire flights, not just travel over Europe, something its opponents regard as an infringement of sovereignty.
China, which is hosting IATA's annual general meeting in Beijing, has already forbidden its carriers to participate in the scheme.
The EU has said it wishes to meet international targets to reduce pollution, and has pointed to the lack of progress on any global deal.
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