Global airlines target ‘anti-aviation’ Europe over green policies

(EurActiv, 6 Jun 2023) Airlines took aim at Europe over green fuel mandates and its failures to stem France’s air traffic control strikes as they weigh on carrier capacities at a global airlines meeting in Istanbul on Monday (6 June).

European regulators have introduced a new mandate demanding airlines use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), an alternative to jet fuel that produces fewer carbon emissions but is between two to four times more expensive than its traditional alternative.

New rules will require fuel suppliers to ensure they can make 2% of fuel available at EU airports SAF by 2025, rising to 6% in 2030, 20% in 2035 and gradually to 70% in 2050.

“I think it’s fair to portray the EU as being anti-aviation, whereas other parts of the world are very positive, pro-aviation,” International Air Transport Association (IATA) head Willie Walsh said on Monday at the group’s annual meeting.

Officials lambasted Europe for introducing a mandate, arguing that a global approach to increasing SAF production or tax incentives like those introduced by the United States under the Inflation Reduction Act would be more effective.

EU officials have retorted that they are also helping to support the industry in its green transition through credits and other benefits and that the timelines for the mandates were reasonable.

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EurActiv, 6 Jun 2023: Global airlines target ‘anti-aviation’ Europe over green policies

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