TIACA, The International Air Cargo Association, is calling for other associations, businesses and international governments to intensify efforts to bring about a review of the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) after the Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) recommended that the inclusion of international aviation in scheme is compatible with international law.
Last month TIACA, in a letter to EU Climate Action Commissioner, Connie Hedegaard, asked the EU to suspend implementation of the controversial program in favor of the development of a global agreement on aviation carbon emissions by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This approach, it stated, was in keeping with the recommendations of The Kyoto Protocol which designated ICAO as the body with authority to set international aviation's greenhouse gas policy.
TIACA also highlighted a number of key concerns about the Emissions Trading Scheme to the Commissioner, stating it was in violation of international law and treaties. The Association said not only would the scheme impose massive new taxes of aviation, it was also unlikely to improve the environment. It also gave evidence of how the scheme might encourage airlines to fly less direct routes, which it demonstrated would increase aviation carbon emission. '
As well as highlighting how ETS ignores the essential global nature of aviation ' stating that the EU has ignored reality and taken 'a regional approach' to the issue ' TIACA reminded the Commissioner of the great environmental advancements the aviation industry has implemented and continues to develop. Since the introduction of jet aircraft, it said, technological advances have enabled the industry to dramatically reduce the environmental impact of airplanes, resulting in a 70% reduction in fuel consumption and therefore carbon dioxide emissions which are directly proportional to the amount of aviation fuel consumed. In addition, modern day airplanes are 30 decibels quieter, a 90% reduction in the noise footprint when compared to original commercial jets.
Michael Steen, Chairman of TIACA, said: 'We are very disappointed by the recommendation by the Advocate General on the proposed January 1st start date of the ETS. We will however continue our campaign with full force as there is a groundswell of opposition to the scheme from international governments, trade associations and businesses and we must, as an industry, collectively raise our voices even louder until the EU listens and agrees with our recommendation for a global approach to be taken under the auspices of ICAO.'
