OAG Analysis of the EU's ETS Indicates Further Passenger Air-Fare Increases

LONDON, January 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- In-depth report examines the likely scenarios and impacts of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme for Airline Operators, Airports and the wider European Economies.

OAG, the global leader in aviation intelligence and a UBM Aviation brand, today released the latest in its series of Aviation Market Reports. This new report explores the implications of the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme for the aviation industry. Airlines operating flights within Europe become subject to the EU ETS initiative this month, January 2012.

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The extension of the ETS, now operating in 30 countries (the 27 EU Member States plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), to cover CO2 emissions within the Aviation Industry compels almost 500 passenger-carrying airlines to join the scheme. OAG Analysis of the ETS calculation process reveals that the knock-on effect of this estimated EUR 3.5bn cost to the aviation sector could increase passenger fares by up to 5.2% on key long-haul routes.

The inclusion of aviation within the ETS is not without its controversy. In addition to airline groups and individual countries publicly voicing their opposition to the initiative, the US House of Representatives (24th October 2011) passed a bill prohibiting US airlines to participate in the EU scheme. "There are only two scenarios for airlines from 2012 - to pay ETS charges or to use non-EU points to stop-off to pay less," said John Grant, Executive Vice President, UBM Aviation. "This not only has significant ramifications for airlines' operating costs, it also carries the very real threat of slowing, or in extreme cases eradicating, airport network driven economic growth within the EU."

The detailed review of the potential impacts of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme upon the Aviation Industry is available to download now at http://www.oagaviation.com/ets.

Notes to Editors:

About OAG

OAG, a UBM Aviation brand, is the trusted source for aviation information and analytical services, with data sourced from OAG's comprehensive and proprietary airline schedules, flight status, fleet, MRO and cargo logistics databases. Our airline schedules database holds future and historical flight details for over 1,000 airlines and more than 4,000 airports. Our aggregated data feeds the world's global distribution systems and travel portals, and drives the internal systems of many airlines, airports, air traffic control systems, aircraft manufacturers, and government agencies around the world. For more information, visit http://www.oag.com.

About UBM Aviation

UBM Aviation, a UBM company, brings together buyers and sellers of air travel and transport through our portfolio of products and services. We specialize in the supply of data, analytics, consulting services, events and media related to the global aviation industry. Our leading brands include the official provider of aviation data and analytics, OAG; a leading provider of solutions for the air freight industry, OAG Cargo; the world-renowned provider of airport route development forums, marketing and networking events, Routes; the leading route development consultancy firm, Airport Strategy & Marketing (ASM); an international program of aviation exhibitions and conferences including the Airline Purchasing & Maintenance Expo and Conferences; and must-read aviation publications such as Aircraft Technology Engineering & Maintenance and Airline Fleet Management. For more information, visit http://www.ubmaviation.com.