Airlines in US sue UK for CO2 caps

Some of the major airlines in America are planning on suing the UK over their planned launch of EU emissions trading. The regulations will allow carriers that fly within the EU a certain amount of emissions and if they go over that quota they will have to pay for permits that will cover the excess. The estimated cost to airlines from 2012 until 2020 will be around $50 billion for extra permits to fly in the EU area.

Continental, United and American Airlines have joined forces with the Air Transport Association (ATA) to sue the British Government in court last week saying that the UK had broke a bilateral agreement between the US and the EU that was passed in 2007. They are not alone though, as nearly all non-EU countries are strongly opposed to the cost that will be implemented.

One of the strongest arguments the US airlines and ATA have is that many of their flights to the UK only spends a small percentage of time in EU airspace so should not have to pay for permit. It is thought to be only a temporary measure by the EU until a worldwide solution can be found to carbon emissions form planes. This will not fair to well under international law though.

Around the world there are many countries, manufacturers and airlines that are looking at ways they can cut their CO2 emissions. The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner took its first flight this week and is thought to cut emissions by 20 per cent, compared to its predecessor. A flight last month in Europe also experimented with one of its four engines running on a 50-50 mix of bio-fuel and normal jet fuel, the flight was successful.