Air fares to rise?

Next year all airlines flying into and within Europe will have to abide by the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).  As a result, airlines will be liable for the costs of both the ETS and the various aviation taxes raised by some governments.  Fares are likely to rise by 2% to 3%, each airline making a commercial decision.  Passengers will be paying twice for this most debateable levy.

Voices and threats are being raised by non-European countries.  China and the United States have made it clear that they regard the inclusion of non-EU airlines in the ETS, without their consent, as illegal.  Both countries have threatened to retaliate with trade sanctions.

A panel in London last week was headed by former UK Chancellor Lord Lawson, Chairman, Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF); and included Holger Krahmer, MEP; Andrew Herdman, Director General, Association of Asia Pacific Airlines; and Nancy Young, VP Environmental Affairs, Air Transport Association of America.  The general consensus was that the EU needs a moratorium on the matter, time to reflect on its policies.

The whole matter goes to European Court of Justice in Luxembourg this week.

GWPF is a charity dedicated to balancing views on global warning. www.thegwpf.org

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