The Global Air Cargo Advisory Group has called on the EU to draw back from implementing its proposed Emissions Trading Scheme for aviation.
GACAG argues that the scheme will spark a divisive and costly dispute with the international community and the global aviation industry, including the air cargo sector and its customers.
Countries including the United States, India and China have challenged the EU scheme on legal and policy grounds. They want a return to multilateral efforts to develop international C02 emission standards within ICAO and other appropriate international fora.
“The Global Air Cargo Advisory Group wholeheartedly agrees with this position,” said Chris Welsh who is secretary general of the Global Shippers’ Forum and chairman of the GACAG sustainability of the air cargo industry task force.
“We believe the EU should fully support the agreed ICAO framework for developing appropriate market based measures, including the possibility of emissions trading schemes, voluntary and other efficiency based measures. The absence of an international framework will be chaotic and will unnecessarily cost the air cargo industry and its customers tens of millions of dollars at a time when the global economy is so fragile, and when every effort is being made to stimulate global demand.
GACAG members include the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA).
“We hope that the EU will listen to growing concerns by industry and consumers and work with industry representatives in developing alternative options for reducing carbon emissions in the most cost-effective way without undermining the fragile state of the European and wider global economy,” said Welsh.
