Virgin and BA back global deal for emission targets on aviation

The two airlines have a formed the Aviation Global Deal Group together with other leading international airlines Air France/KLM, Cathay Pacific and airport operator BAA.

They said the aim of the coalition was to get CO2 emissions from international aviation to be included in a new global climate deal when world leaders meet in Copenhagen in December for the United Nations climate summit.  

Emissions currently contribute around two per cent of global CO2 emissions but they don’t fall under the Kyoto Protocol commitments and are not currently managed under an international climate change treaty.  

The coalition, which has the support of international NGO The Climate Group, said it was looking for a global solution for the aviation sector that would offer “genuine environmental benefits” at the same time as being “operationally and economically sound”.

 “Aviation has a key part to play in reducing global emissions and for too long has been seen as part of the climate problem rather than part of the solution.  We hope the work of our group will offer a practical industry-led solution that creates a level-playing field and appeal to policy-makers, environmental groups and businesses alike,” said Tony Tyler, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific Airways at the group’s first meeting in Hong Kong this week.  

Steve Howard, ceo of The Climate Group, said the aviation industry has a major role to play in shaping a successful international climate policy. “By making a fair and equitable contribution it must help provide finance for the reduction of emissions in other sectors, reduced emissions from deforestation and support for adaptation. The launch of the AGD Group is an important and welcome step towards helping countries to agree an environmentally robust approach to the sector’s international emissions,” he said.
 
 
The group said it aimed to build support from other international carriers, industry and environmental stakeholders, and complement the work of UN International Civil Aviation Organisation.

In December, the UK shipping industry gave its backing to a global emissions trading scheme for ships.

Under the Climate Change Act, aviation and shipping are now part of the UK Government’s targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050

The UK's share of international shipping and aviation emissions accounts for 7.6 per cent of the UK's total carbon dioxide emissions.