Agency chain supports aviation emissions cap

Leading independent travel agency group The Co-operative Travel has backed proposals for a global cap on aviation emissions.

The £1 billion turnover company drew almost identical findings on aviation emissions to the Climate Change Committee when it launched a travel ethical strategy in July last year.

Managing director Mike Greenacre, speaking at the time, said: “The research found that a third runway at Heathrow and other new runway proposals conflict with the UK’s targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.

“In addition, technological progress to reduce emissions is possible and would allow for moderate growth, of one–two per cent per year, within current emission targets.

“However, the industry needs to ramp up its efforts for this to be realised. If the industry can demonstrate that it is able to grow without increasing its emissions, such growth, we believe, would be best accommodated at existing UK regional airports.

“If we don’t manage aviation growth within its current emissions levels we will have virtually no chance of meeting the UK’s greenhouse gas targets.

“Ultimately, a line in the sand has to be drawn for new runways in the UK.”

Speaking on taxation proposals for passengers, Greenacre added: “The Co-operative Travel is supportive of measures that try to internalise aviation’s cost to the environment, but the amount charged should be consistent with the damage done to the environment.

“The cost of proposed Air Passenger Duty (APD) is far higher than that of a high quality carbon offset.

“In addition, we believe that the monies raised by APD should be ring fenced for tackling climate change rather than going back to general exchequer, and the way taxes are levied should not be regressive from the perspective of developing countries that benefit substantially from tourism, such as the Caribbean.”

*ABTA responds to CCC proposals – see separate story.

by Phil Davies