Sustainability and Environment
ETS Suspension Welcomed but European Carriers Cry Foul
Flights between airports within the European Union, such as those operated by CSA Czech Airlines, will remain subject to the emissions trading scheme, regardless of whether or not their operators are based in the EU. (Photo: Airbus)
Flights between airports within the European Union, such as those operated by CSA Czech Airlines, will remain subject to the emissions trading scheme, regardless of whether or not their operators are based in the EU. (Photo: Airbus)

The airline lobby has broadly welcomed last week’s sudden announcement by the European Commission that it would suspend the application of its emissions trading scheme (ETS) for flights in and out of the European Union. However, European airlines have protested the fact that the ETS will still apply to intra-EU flights, arguing that the exception poses an anti-competitive cost burden that most non-EU operators will not now have to carry.