Airlines for America (A4A) took aim at the decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the A4A legal challenge to the unilateral application of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) to international aviation. The decision has also come under fire from international airlines.
A4A said it also opposes the application of the EU ETS tax to U.S. airlines. "It imposes an exorbitant tax that takes away from aviation the very funds it needs to continue to invest in aircraft technology, sustainable alternative fuels and infrastructure advances to build on its strong record of fuel efficiency improvements and emissions savings," A4A said.
“Today’s court decision further isolates the EU from the rest of the world and will keep in place a unilateral scheme that is counterproductive to concerted global action on aviation and climate change."
“Today’s decision does not mark the end of this case and Airlines for America (A4A) is reviewing options to pursue in the English High Court. At the same time, the U.S. government and dozens of others around the world are increasing pressure on the EU to come back to the table to consider a global sectoral approach. In the meantime, A4A members will comply under protest and will continue to operate safely and efficiently to Europe when the scheme takes effect Jan. 1.”
A4A, formerly known as the Air Transport Association, brought the legal action in 2009 on behalf of all of its member airlines.
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