Four of the world's biggest airlines on Thursday called for carbon dioxide emissions from global aviation to be included in a new climate deal, urging however that a "pragmatic, fair and effective global policy solution for the sector" be found.
Air France-KLM, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic, as well as airport operator BAA, met Thursday in Hong Kong as part of new consortium called the Aviation Global Deal. The meeting came in advance of the United Nation's International Civil Aviation Organization’s preparations for climate change negotiations in Copenhagen.
The ADG members said a new global climate deal for aviation must:
• Offer genuine environmental benefits.
• Be operationally and economically sound.
• Maintain competitiveness between airlines and avoid market distortions.
• Reflect the U.N. climate change principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” between countries with different levels of development.
• Balance the social and economic benefits of flying with the industry’s responsibility to cut global emissions and play its part in meeting tough climate change targets.
"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."
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