Major airlines call for global CO2 deal

Emissions should be in new global climate deal

Carbon emissions from aircraft should be included in any new global climate deal, four of the world's leading carriers said today (February 12).

Tony Tyler

The four carriers, Air France/KLM, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic along with UK airport operator BAA have formed a new pressure group, the Aviation Global Deal Group (AGDP) to push for the change.

CO2 emissions from aviation were not included in the Kyoto Protocol nor in other global climate agreements.

But the AGDP is to lobby for their inclusion in the new treaty due to be negotiated at the United Nations climate summit in Copenhagen in December.

At its first meeting in Hong Kong, the AGDP called for a "pragmatic, fair and effective global policy" for aviation.

It said such a deal must offer "genuine" environmental benefits, be operationally and economically sound and maintain competition between airlines.

Speaking on behalf of the AGD Group, Tony Tyler, Cathay's ceo, said: "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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