Airlines face inclusion in emissions scheme

The aviation industry would be included in the EU emissions trading scheme from 2011, according to proposals issued by the European Commission in December.

Despite the industry’s repeated claim that aviation accounts for only 2% of total global carbon emissions, Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas has decided it is high time airlines take responsibility for their growing impact on the environment.

Previously, ETS only covered power stations, refineries and heavy industry. Aviation would be the first industry from the transport sector to be included in the scheme.

Under the proposals, flights within the EU would be included in the scheme as of 2011, while flights into and out of the EU would be included a year later. Controversially, 90% of credits will be handed out for free over the period spanning 2011-2015. Free allocations will gradually be reduced over a period of 12 years to just 60% in 2023.

"This shouldn’t mean curbing the growth of aviation," says Olivier Jankovec, director-general of the European branch of airport lobby Airports Council International.

"We agree on the principle that ETS is the best way to tackle the impact of aviation on climate change. But, anything affecting the airlines indirectly affects the airports."

The aviation industry would be included in the EU emissions trading scheme from 2011, according to proposals issued by the European Commission in December.