Aviation | Transport & Environment

Aviation

Aviation is the fastest growing source of transport greenhouse gas emissions and the most climate-intensive form of transport. Its emissions have more than doubled in the last twenty years and, in 2008, the sector, together with shipping, accounted for a quarter of total transport emissions. Aviation has always received special treatment, avoiding fuel taxes and VAT. T&E is campaigning, together with members of the International Coalition for Sustainable Aviation for global targets for reduction in emissions within the aviation sector and for removing exemptions on fuel taxation and VAT for airlines in the EU.

What's happening?

From 1 January 2012, emissions from all commercial flights arriving or departing EU airports are subject to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. From next year, airlines will have to surrender allowances covering the emissions of all flights they have operated in the past year that departed and/or arrived at an EU airport.

Aviation emissions will be capped for the year 2012 at 97% of the sector’s emissions over the period 2004-2006 (212 million tonnes of CO2). Between 2013 and 2020, the cap will be set at 95% of aviation’s 2004-6 emissions. Each airline will receive 85% of their emissions permits for free, based on their 2004-6 level. From 2013 onwards they will receive 83% for free. Airlines that operate more flights (or operate less efficiently) than in 2004-6 will have to buy more permits.