easyJet is welcoming the UK
Government’s efforts to include aviation into the EU’s Emission Trading
Scheme (ETS), as suggested by Secretary of State for the Environment
David Miliband.Oliver Aust, Corporate Affairs Manager Europe, commented on Mr
Miliband’s speech “Building an Environmental Union”, given in Berlin
today:

“easyJet has been one of the earliest advocates of emission trading, and
we are delighted that the UK Government is putting its weight behind the
idea. Emission trading is simply the best way to reduce CO2 emissions.
It is a stick and a carrot at the same time, so that airlines have a
real incentive to save fuel and invest in the latest technology.

 

“It is essential to get the legislation right from the very beginning and
include all flights to and from Europe, rather than limiting our
ambitions to flights within Europe. Given that intra-EU flights account
for only 20% of Europe’s flying - or 1% of total EU emissions - this
would be nothing but “tokenism” with little environmental benefits.

 

“Whilst the starting date is important, for airlines it is crucial to
have certainty about the details of the scheme. As soon as we know what
the scheme will look like, airlines will strive to become even more
efficient, independently of the starting date.”

 

 

easyJet and the European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA) have been
working closely with the European Commission on a swift and workable way
forward to include aviation in the ETS.

easyJet believes that any Emissions Trading Scheme
must also:

 

.      Ensure that allowances are being allocated fairly: airlines
must not be given an incentive to do nothing for the next few years - so
allowances must not be based on historical usage.

.      Guard against distortion of competition:
environmentally-efficient low-fares airlines operating brand-new, clean
and quiet aircraft must not be penalised in favour of inefficient
traditional airlines with old, dirty aircraft.

.      Be pan-European: the allocation process must have harmonised
rules and administration through the entire EU to avoid favouritism and
illegal protection of national champions.

 

In addition to ETS, significant improvements to the efficiency of the
European aviation industry and serious reductions in CO2 levels could be
made with changes to the Air Traffic Management system and the stamping
out of illegal subsidies given to ailing national airlines.

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