The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has weighed in on the European Commission's July 17 proposal to revise the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), urging European lawmakers to preserve the multilateral approach to aviation emissions. While AAPA welcomes the Commission's decision to maintain the 'stop the clock' provision that exempts international flights from the EU ETS, and its proposed support for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), the association shares ICAO's concerns about any unilateral expansion of the scheme.
AAPA warns that extending the EU ETS beyond current scope could conflict with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), the global market-based measure established by ICAO in 2016. The association argues that such a move would fragment climate policy and undermine the consensus-based framework that CORSIA represents. AAPA calls on the European Parliament, Council, and Commission to reaffirm their commitment to CORSIA during upcoming negotiations.
Global framework under pressure
CORSIA remains the only internationally agreed mechanism to address CO2 emissions from international aviation. AAPA's stance reflects a broader industry concern that regional carbon pricing could create a patchwork of regulations, complicating compliance for carriers operating across multiple jurisdictions. The association plans to closely track the legislative process of the EU proposal and engage directly with European institutions and ICAO to represent its member airlines' interests.
The debate comes as airlines worldwide grapple with rising operational costs, including jet fuel price surges that are driving airfare hikes. AAPA emphasizes the importance of maintaining a global, consensus-based approach to aviation emissions, warning that unilateral action could distort competition and hinder the industry's collective decarbonization efforts.
Industry observers note that the EU's push for stricter climate measures has gained momentum, but carriers in Asia-Pacific—home to fast-growing markets like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai—are particularly sensitive to regulatory fragmentation. AAPA's member airlines include major players such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates, all of which operate extensive long-haul networks that would be directly affected by any EU ETS expansion.
The association's intervention aligns with recent calls from other industry bodies for policy coherence. In a separate development, a UK travel coalition has urged its new prime minister for policy support to unlock sector growth, highlighting the broader need for stable regulatory environments.
AAPA's position also resonates with the travel technology sector, where GDS systems like Amadeus and Sabre are increasingly integrating carbon data into booking platforms. Any shift in emissions regulation could influence how airlines and agents present carbon information to corporate clients and leisure travelers.
As the EU legislative process unfolds, AAPA will continue to advocate for a unified global standard. The association's message is clear: preserving CORSIA's multilateral framework is essential to avoid a fragmented regulatory landscape that could hamper the industry's ability to invest in sustainable aviation fuels and other decarbonization technologies.
