Business aviation in Europe will have to take part in a European Union emissions trading scheme by 2012, says the European Commission, which is working on a formula to enable it to take place. The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) backs the concept of a scheme, but points out that many operators already engage in voluntary emissions trading and that the system as presently proposed by the Commission is unworkably complex and must be simplified to be effective.
The proposed EU trading scheme would, as presently proposed, exempt aircraft below 5.7t, and small business aircraft operators that fly fewer than 729 flights a year. Those between 5.7t and 20t would be exempt from any other emissions "sanctions" provided they join the EU scheme when it comes into force, says the EC, which predicts that the EU will eventually require emissions trading for foreign business aircraft that fly into Europe.
Speaking at EBACE in Geneva last week, EBAA president Brian Humphries said most of its members operated small fleets, and some only a single aircraft. The formulae for emission measurements they will be required to use to satisfy the EC, either of their exemption or of the amount of emissions they will have to trade, are so costly and complex they are unworkable, he says. This is especially true considering that the sector produces less than 1% of total European aviation emissions.
Humphries also notes that, under present proposed formulae, the business aircraft sector will be required to offset almost all its emissions, while airlines will have to trade only 5% of theirs. He says he is confident that a simpler and more effective system of engaging in a European emissions trading scheme can be agreed between now and 2011, because the sector definitely wants to be involved in a fair and workable scheme.
Meanwhile, the EC warns that legislation regarding nitrous oxide emissions will be proposed before the end of 2008, but cannot say how it might be framed or how it will affect the business aviation sector. Possibilities include variations in the emissions trading scheme formula, or landing fees graded according to measured NOx emissions.
Source: Flight International
