The introduction of an eco-aviation tax by the French government is “misguided”, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
France announced yesterday that it is to bring in the tax for all flights from French airports from 2020 with the amount of the tax depending on the type of ticket bought.
Economy class tickets on flights within France or the EU will have a tax of €1.50 imposed. Business class tickets for flights out of the EU will have the highest tariff of up to €18.
The tax will only apply to outgoing flights and not to those flying into the country. France plans on using the tax revenue to invest in less-polluting transport such as rail.
IATA said in a statement: “This tax is misguided. Since 1990, airlines have reduced carbon emissions per passenger 50 per cent, and from 2020 will be paying to offset all the growth in emissions. A tax will not help the industry to invest in cleaner fuels and technology.
“It will also damage €100 billion that aviation generates for the French economy, and 500,000 new jobs are at risk from the lack of competitiveness of French aviation. 81 per cent of French people don’t trust their government to spend environmental taxes on environmental action.
“On their behalf, we will hold the French government to account to spend this tax on accelerating aviation sustainability, especially prioritizing more efficient air traffic control and promoting sustainable fuels.”
The European Union says that without any action, CO2 emissions from aviation are set to grow by up to 300 per cent by 2050 as passenger traffic continues to grow.
