The presentation by the European Commission on Wednesday 14 July of the ‘Fit For 55’ package, which aims to bring about a 55% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, has resulted in everyone in the aviation world having an opinion on it (see EUROPE 12762/1).
For example, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that using taxation as a solution to reduce emissions is “ counterproductive” and that support and incentives would have been more effective. “Aviation is committed to decarbonisation as a global industry. We don’t need persuading, or punitive measures like taxes to motivate change”, summarised Willie Walsch, IATA’s Director General.
The EU’s largest airline association, Airlines for Europe (A4E), also reacted negatively, saying that the plan threatened the competitive aspect of airlines and the industry.
More positive was the reaction from the Airport Council International (ACI), which “reaffirmed [its] strong and unwavering commitment to the decarbonisation of aviation” and “emphasised the need for closer cooperation and greater alignment between policy makers, regulators and the industry”.
For its part, the NGO, Transport & Environment (T&E) welcomed the European Commission’s plan, but regretted the fact that the tax reforms they had undertaken did not go far enough. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)