Global Significance

Statement from Airlines for America on the EU Parliament’s Disappointing Decision to Amend the Emissions Trading System

June 09, 2022

We are disappointed in the EU Parliament’s decision to adopt amendments to the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) that significantly expands the scope and impact on the aviation industry, including by applying the ETS extra-territorially to departures to non-EU destinations in violation of international law. This unilateral decision threatens to derail global efforts to collaboratively address aviation’s environmental impacts and further the industry’s sustainability goals.

“We are very concerned about the impact of the EU Parliament’s decision, which directly undermines the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) agreement and threatens efforts to reach a global consensus to set a Long-Term Aspirational Goal for aviation at ICAO’s 41st Assembly,” said Airlines for America President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio.

“U.S. airlines are proud of our aggressive sustainability goals and recognize that now is the time to work together – not unilaterally – to combat climate change.” The U.S. airline industry looks forward to receiving input from the Council of the European Union and EU Commission and remains hopeful that a solution will be put forward that benefits all stakeholders.