EU expects China airlines to comply with new emissions trading scheme
January 9, 2012, 06:14 pm
After implementing a new requirement for all international airlines to participate in an emission trading scheme, the European Union was faced with backlash from many airlines including U.S., Chinese and Indian airlines over the new aviation tax associated with the requirement.
NTDV reported that airlines from the China Air Transport Association announced they will refuse to comply with the EU law requiring a carbon emission tax on international carriers operating in EU states. But the EU recently responded by saying Chinese airlines must comply or will not be permitted to fly in or out of European states.
"If the Chinese want to do business in Europe, like open a restaurant or something, they have to comply with the health and the safety requirement," said Isaac Valero-Ladron, European Commission spokesperson.
The new emissions tax is also affecting airlines in the Middle East. Green Prophet reported Emirates and Etihad Airways predicts it will spend $52 million more in 2012 to comply with the new regulations, and $394 million total over the next nine years. In response, Etihad Airways remains in opposition to the tax.
"We consider it to be more an anti-competitive tax on non-European airlines than an attempt to promote environmentally sustainable practice by the aviation industry," said an Etihad spokesperson.
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