Dimas to forge ahead with aviation CO2 emissions cap 

According to a paper seen by the daily newspaper, the proposal to be put forward by Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas in the autumn accepts that including aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme could add up to €9 to the price of a return ticket.

"As regards the coverage of flights, the Commission believes that all emissions from any flight departing from the EU should be included," the FT quotes the report as saying. Non-EU airlines would be included in the scheme so as not to penalise European companies, it adds.

The proposal to include aviation in the EU-ETS was due to be approved by the College of Commissioners before the summer break but was taken off the agenda out of concern that it would contradict the Commission's chief objective of reviving Europe's economy.

Some companies in the aviation sector are strongly opposed to the plan, arguing that technological improvements are enough to curb emissions. Others, including British Airways, say that emissions will have to be reduced if the industry does not want to be used as a cash cow to fund non-aviation projects such as development aid.

Air travel is estimated to contribute to about 3.5% of climate change linked to human activities, according to a UN panel. This share is expected to grow to 5 per cent by 2050.