The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the results of a Washington D.C. meeting, July 31 - August 1, where 17 of the world’s largest aviation powers met to reaffirm their opposition to the inclusion of aviation in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). The group also discussed steps towards a global deal under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to address international aviation emissions.
The EU’s ETS has been called an unfair tax on international airlines and airline passengers. IATA called them unilateral and extra-territorial and has led opposition to the EU ETS.
The 17 non-EU governments agreed to pursue the goals of the ICAO, including carbon-neutral growth from 2020. IATA reports the group favors Market-Based Measures (MBMs) on a global basis.
IATA also welcomed the passage of a bill in the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee to prohibit US carriers from participating in the EU ETS. Significantly, IATA noted, the bill passed with unanimous bi-partisan support. It has specific provision for officials to use their authority to conduct international negotiations to pursue a worldwide approach to address aircraft emissions.
"The global aviation community is encouraged to see that in spite of the EU’s insistence on defending its divisive scheme, governments outside Europe recognize the tremendous socio-economic benefits from aviation and are making determined efforts to find common ground to deliver a global solution through ICAO that is acceptable to all," IATA says.
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