World aviation bosses warned Monday of a potential trade war over a carbon tax imposed by the European Union on the airline industry to reduce emissions and curb climate change.
In a conference on the eve of the Singapore Airshow, one of Asia's largest aviation trade fairs, industry executives expressed concern over the political and economic impact of the charges which took effect on January 1.
"I have to say I'm really worried, also as a manufacturer, about the consequences," said Airbus Chief Executive Thomas Enders.
"I have seen the position in China, in Russia, in the US, in India, and what started as a scheme to present a solution for the environment has become a source of potential trade conflict," he added.
The EU imposed its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) on airlines flying into the continent despite opposition from over two dozen countries, including India, Russia, China and the United States.
The EU says the scheme was designed to reduce carbon emissions blamed for climate change, and will help the 27-nation bloc achieve its goal of cutting emissions by 20 percent by 2020.
EU transport commissioner Siim Kallas, who also spoke at the Singapore conference, said Europe was committed to reducing carbon emissions.
"We don't have enough reasons or ground to suspend the legislation," he said.
But he added that Europe was 'sincere' in expressing readiness to achieve a compromise through the UN airline watchdog, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
"Of course Europe wants to see a multilateral solution and we are ready to battle for that outcome," Kallas said.
China has barred its airlines from complying with the requirement while Europe's low-cost carriers accused their Chinese and US rivals of employing 'gunboat' diplomacy in opposing the scheme.
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