What does the aviation industry think of its inclusion in the European emissions trading scheme?
The aviation industry believes that climate change is a global issue that requires a global solution through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – the UN body dealing with aviation at the worldwide level. This is the best way to minimise competitive distortions and to maximise environmental benefit. A well-designed emissions trading scheme should be based on the consent of those states whose airlines are involved in the scheme, on the understanding that the unilateral inclusion of foreign airlines or flights to and from states outside the scheme should be avoided. European airlines believe emissions trading is a useful tool to manage the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions, while strongly opposing fuel taxes and emission charges that do nothing for the environment. (The Association of European Airlines (AEA) provides additional information). Emissions trading should only be considered as a complement to other more efficient and permanent measures such as technological,
