Minister lambasts airlines’ environmental record – UPDATED

Environment minister Ian Pearson has made an outspoken attack on airlines over their attitude to climate change.

He singled out Ryanair as the “irresponsible face of capitalism” and claimed that British Airways was “only just about playing ball” in efforts to cut carbon emissions.

In an interview in today’s Guardian, the minister said he wanted the European Union to go further and faster to include airline emissions in its carbon trading scheme.

Ryanair defended its record, claiming that it had spent more than $10 billion of fuel efficient engines which have reduced fuel burn by 45% and cut CO2 emissions by 50% per passenger.

This came after Pearson reportedly said: “When it comes to climate change, Ryanair are not just the unacceptable face of capitalism, they are the irresponsible face of capitalism.”

He claimed the Irish budget airline’s CEO Micheal O’Leary “just seems to take pride in refusing to recognise that climate change is a genuine problem”.

O’Leary reacted by saying: “Like most politicians Minister Pearson talks a lot but does little. Unlike politicians, Ryanair has spent over $10 billion to become Europe’s greenest and cleanest airline.

“At a time when aviation generates just 1.6% of greenhouse gases, isn’t it time that Minister Pearson and other equally foolish politicians actually tackled the real casues of climate change which is road transport and power generation.”

After criticising the US airline industry for being “completely irresponsible” for not wanting anything to do with the trading scheme, the minister said: “Even British Airways are only just playing ball.

“They say they are happy with a trading scheme that is confined to flights within Europe, rather than one that includes all flights departing the EU. Like every other industry, the airline industry has got to take its share of responsibility for combating climate change and the European Union’s proposals is the vehicle by which they can do just that,” Pearson was quoted as saying.

EasyJet chief executive Andy Harrison said: “We congratulate Mr Pearson for his clear words and for refraining from lumping all airlines together. In contrast to most other airlines, easyJet has not only welcomed a carbon trading scheme, but has also called on the European Parliament to bring in tougher legislation sooner. 

“The EU must discourage airlines from flying old, half-empty aircraft and must prevent non-EU airlines from getting a free ride. That is why easyJet wants to see an Emission Trading Scheme that includes all flights in and out of Europe, and we want to see it as soon as possible. easyJet flies brand new aircraft with high passenger loads which mean that we emit 30% fewer emissions per passenger kilometre than a traditional airline.”

“But the Government must rise to the challenge as well. The EU Emissions Trading Scheme is the right way for aviation to balance its huge economic and social benefits with its environmental impact – rather than national governments imposing ineffective, inefficient taxes, such as UK Air Passenger Duty, to give the impression they are doing something. To make aviation more efficient, we urge EU governments to finally agree on a reform of Europe’s inefficient Air Traffic Control system and to stop all state aid given to ailing national carriers.”

Report by Phil Davies