 "Jet, Air India oppose EU aviation norms despite penalty threats")
India remains opposed to the European Union (EU)’s emission norms for airlines, even as the European Commission said it might fine Air India and Jet Airways for not sharing emission data.
EU’s emission trading scheme (ETS) requires airlines to report emission data (for flights within and to/from Europe) and purchase credits in case the emission exceeds capped limits. Emission data is reported on an annual basis. The scheme came into effect in January 2012. However, due to opposition from India, China and Russia, the scheme was not extended to intercontinental flights. However, the scheme is in force for flights within Europe.
“We have not received any information regarding the fines. It (the scheme) has been postponed,’’ Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said.
He added EU was overstepping its jurisdiction. India and other countries are not in favour of unilateral measures, which are being implemented in Europe and have suggested that the International Civil Aviation Organisation take a decision on the issue.
The commission said the two Indian airlines could face a total fine of euro 30,000.
Air India and Jet Airways would be impacted by the EU’s decision to cap emission and fine airlines for emissions exceeding the limits. The government has directed both the airlines not to correspond with EU.
"Each month we receive letter and reminders from European Union seeking emission data. The letter states the airline may have to pay fines for non compliance. We forward the letters to the ministry. We do not reply to EU letters,'' an Air India executive said. "Aviation greenhouse emissions under EU ETS are being handled as per the directions of Ministry of Civil Aviation,". Jet Airways spokesperson said.
EU’s emission trading scheme (ETS) requires airlines to report emission data (for flights within and to/from Europe) and purchase credits in case the emission exceeds capped limits. Emission data is reported on an annual basis. The scheme came into effect in January 2012. However, due to opposition from India, China and Russia, the scheme was not extended to intercontinental flights. However, the scheme is in force for flights within Europe.
“We have not received any information regarding the fines. It (the scheme) has been postponed,’’ Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said.
He added EU was overstepping its jurisdiction. India and other countries are not in favour of unilateral measures, which are being implemented in Europe and have suggested that the International Civil Aviation Organisation take a decision on the issue.
The commission said the two Indian airlines could face a total fine of euro 30,000.
Air India and Jet Airways would be impacted by the EU’s decision to cap emission and fine airlines for emissions exceeding the limits. The government has directed both the airlines not to correspond with EU.
"Each month we receive letter and reminders from European Union seeking emission data. The letter states the airline may have to pay fines for non compliance. We forward the letters to the ministry. We do not reply to EU letters,'' an Air India executive said. "Aviation greenhouse emissions under EU ETS are being handled as per the directions of Ministry of Civil Aviation,". Jet Airways spokesperson said.