The association called the scheme 'an illegal, flawed and unjust attempt to force the aviation industry to concede to unilateral and biased measures to the benefit of European carriers. The impending EU-ETS threatens to negatively affect the region’s carriers and cost them hundreds of millions of dollars over the first few years of implementation.'
ALTA Executive Director Alex de Gunten said his organization is a 'strong supporter of a global approach to the reduction of carbon emissions through proactive steps, such as the use of new technologies, fleet renewal, the improvement of operational processes, effective investment in infrastructure and the development of biofuels.”
However, he said the EU-ETS exceeds EU regulatory authority and discriminates in favor of EU air carriers over Latin American operators.
In conjunction with its member airlines, ALTA has promoted improvements in fuel efficiency and coordinates the efforts to support a long-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the industry. The association said region’s aviation industry has reached several environmental milestones, including:
' In the last 30 years, the industry has cut emissions roughly in half per passenger per mile.
' ALTA’s airlines have invested more than $30 billion over the last five years in new, more environmentally friendly planes, resulting in one of the youngest and most fuel efficient fleet in the world with an average age of 7.9 years.
' ALTA airlines have invested in biofuels. (In November 2010, TAM Airlines flew the first successful experimental flight in Latin America using biofuel.)
