The Global Air Cargo Advisory Group has spoken out about the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, which will tariff carriers flying into European airspace starting this month. The group's officials fear the EU ETS will place unnecessary burdens on the airfreight industry, instead of sustaining it.
Although GACAG - a coalition encompassing leaders from the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, the International Air Transport Association, The International Air Cargo Association and the Global Shippers' Forum - supports carbon-reduction programs, it opposes the exclusivity of the EU ETS.
The U.S., Chinese and Indian governments have reinforced this viewpoint, challenging the legality of the scheme. These leaders have also encouraged the EU to abandon the ETS and develop international carbon standards through ICAO, which received such authority via the Kyoto Protocol.
The ETS could essentially cripple the entire airfreight sector, said GSF Secretary Chris Welsh.
