Aviation
UN agency vote complicates EU’s aviation emission efforts
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a United Nations agency, decided on Friday (4 October) to press ahead with plans to make its emissions offsetting scheme the only global option available to its 193 member states, teeing up a dilemma regarding the EU's own system.
Air travel growth suggests ‘sustainable’ and ‘development’ are not compatible
Air travel is not the only threat to life on earth, but it is a useful barometer of runaway economic growth and development that, if allowed to continue unmitigated, will irreparably harm the planet, writes Jonathan Gornall.
Slovenia expects bankruptcy of Adria Airways
The bankruptcy of Adria Airways seems the only possible scenario since the Slovenia-based airline has cancelled most of its flights for nearly a week, economy minister Zdravko Pocivalsek said on Monday (30 September).
Sefcovic forsees ‘an Airbus for batteries, for 5G, AI, green tech’
In one of his first interviews since getting the nod to serve another five years in the European Commission, Maroš Šefčovič talked about his new job, industrial policy and the "global mega-trends" the EU should lead heading into the next decade.
UK government urged to factor international aviation and shipping into climate plans
Aviation and shipping should be included in the UK government's climate planning, according to an expert panel, which was already decisive in pushing lawmakers towards adopting a net-zero target for 2050. EURACTIV's partner edie.net reports.
Thomas Cook collapse will put new EU directive to the test
The collapse of Thomas Cook, the world's oldest travel company, will put the new EU Package Travel Directive to the test. Although the directive allows for the repatriation of holidaymakers, refunds for trips already booked are not guaranteed. EURACTIV France reports.
EU countries urged to reject UN scheme that could thwart action on aviation emissions
The European Commission has asked EU countries to reject a UN resolution this week that could forbid the bloc from going further than the CORSIA aviation emissions reduction plan currently being developed at international level.
EU watchdog insists own safety tests needed on grounded Boeings
The Europea Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will run its own tests on Boeing's grounded aircraft rather than simply accept the assessment of its US counterpart, the regulator's head said this week, marking a break with international air safety convention.
It’s a small world after all: Aerospace’s global reach
The aerospace industry builds the aircraft that allow people to travel the world. But the industry itself is a globe-trotter as well. Designing and building aircraft is a truly international endeavour, as experts and workers collaborate across borders to deliver products to a lucrative market.
German Greens want to ban domestic flights by 2035
Germany's Greens plan to make domestic flights 'largely obsolete' by 2035. To this end, they want to introduce a tax on kerosene and gradually increase rail traffic. The EU, however, is far from finding a solution on how to tax air travel. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Transport committee chair: The aim is to put climate on political agenda in all sectors
In an interview with EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'Environnement, the newly elected chair of the European Parliament's committee on transport and tourism (TRAN), French Green MEP Karima Delli, spoke about her new priorities. These include relaunching the rail system, regulating transport in a climate-friendly manner and reducing car pollution.
Air traffic control chief: Humans will always be in the loop
Air traffic management is the focus of some serious EU-funded research and development. The aim of much of the work is to improve its efficiency and win gains like improved safety and smaller carbon footprint. One of the main figures behind the project explained it to EURACTIV.
Emission-busting aviation taxes gain ground, despite airline pushback
Ryanair in April became the first airline to be included among Europe’s top ten polluters, with some calling the airline company ‘the new coal’ industry. Large economies like France and Germany have begun seeking impact-reducing alternatives to air travel by imposing new taxes.
Why we are far from imposing a tax on kerosene
France introduced a tax on airline tickets this week. However, this does not really replace a tax on kerosene, which continues to be tax-exempt across Europe. But why is the EU not introducing such a tax? EURACTIV Germany reports.
European airline chiefs push back against flight shaming, carbon taxes
The heads of some of Europe’s largest airlines hit back on Wednesday (10 July) against efforts to discourage Europeans from flying, arguing the industry was making huge strides in cutting its carbon footprint and that there was no shame in air travel.
France to impose green tax on plane tickets
France announced Tuesday (9 July) it would impose new taxes on plane tickets of up to €18 per flight, joining other EU states seeking to limit the environmental impact of air travel.
Official EU petition calls for minimum carbon price
The European Commission registered an official petition on Wednesday (7 July) that calls on the EU executive to set up a minimum carbon price, “discourage the consumption of fossil fuels” and keep global warming to below 1.5 degrees.
Will airline companies cause their own crash?
Airline companies should embrace their changing industry if they ever want to come out on top again, said Bertrand Piccard, president of the Solar Impulse Foundation.
Europe’s airports target carbon-neutrality by 2050, planes not included
Nearly 200 European airports in 45 countries pledged on Wednesday (26 June) to drastically slash their greenhouse gas output by 2050. However, the target only includes airport infrastructure and not aircraft.
Next Commission urged to launch ‘aviation package’
The next European Commission should make curbing aviation emissions a priority in its work programme for the next five years, according to lawmakers at a special summit on Thursday (20 June) dedicated to taxing flights.
UN Environment official attacks agency’s own carbon offsetting policy
UN Environment published an unusually stark critique of carbon offsetting on Monday (10 June). On Tuesday, the article was taken down, following queries by EURACTIV’s partner Climate Home News.
UEFA faces criticism over carbon footprint for Euro finals
Criticism over football carbon footprint erupted as English clubs fans had to travel the world to see their teams playing against each other, thousands of kilometres away from home in Spain and Azerbaijan.
The Brief, powered by WindEurope – Come fly with me
A new in-vogue campaign promise has emerged at the tail-end of the European elections campaign: taxing airplane fuel. But is it just another empty pledge destined to fall by the wayside or could it actually take off?
Airbus now wants to remain in UK regardless of Brexit outcome
European planemaker Airbus wants to stay in the UK whatever the outcome of Brexit, as the country is "a very important pillar" for the company, new CEO Guillaume Faury said on Tuesday (21 May), amending negative comments made by his predecessor.