Aviation coalition seeks changes to EU emissions trading plans

An alliance of European aviation bodies is asking the European Commission to change its plans for covering air transport under the EU emissions trading system. The grouping, called Destination 2050, brings together Airlines for Europe, ACI Europe, ASD, Canso and ERAA, representing carriers, airports, air navigation service providers and manufacturers. It restated its target of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

Among its demands is stronger and longer-term support for sustainable aviation fuels. The group also wants all revenue from the auctioning of aviation emissions allowances put back into decarbonising the sector.

It rejects extending the EU emissions trading system to flights beyond the European Economic Area, arguing instead for the global Corsia scheme.

Further requests include a book-and-claim system for sustainable aviation fuels, more support for new aircraft technology, and carbon capture and use. On contrails, the initiative says incentives to avoid them should only be introduced once the scientific basis and operational feasibility are sufficiently established.