ERA BACKS UK EMISSIONS “TECHNOLOGY, NOT TAXES” TARGET

20/06/2005

"Taxes cannot change engine performance – only technology can do that.” said Mike Ambrose, Director General of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), in welcoming the environmental initiative by the UK’s aviation industry.

"By committing to reduce emissions by flying new aircraft designed to have improved environmental performance, the UK scheme could provide a lead for Europe and the rest of the world", he continued.

ERA hopes this move will be welcomed in a rational way by the green lobby, rather than rejected through a knee-jerk response. “Unfortunately, some environmentalists are already responding with calls for unnecessary taxes, using figures and claims that have been thoroughly discredited long ago." Ambrose commented.

The association, which represents Europe’s airlines, airports, manufacturers and the aviation service sector, says that technological improvements are the only sustainable solutions to meet legitimate concerns of environmental protection and satisfy public demands for increased mobility.

“Coming from a leading aviation country like the UK, the initiative should attract the necessary widespread support and technological investment.” Ambrose concluded.