The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) has expressed significant concerns regarding the European Commission's plan to broaden the scope of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to encompass specific international flights from 2029. ALTA contends that this proposed extension will impose unnecessary additional regulatory complexities on airlines, particularly those operating beyond European borders.
This criticism stems from the belief that the EU ETS expansion would duplicate efforts already mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) global Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Airlines would consequently be compelled to adhere to two separate emissions reporting and compliance frameworks, leading to increased administrative and financial burdens.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this development could translate into higher operational costs for air cargo services to and from Europe. Airlines may pass on these compliance expenses through surcharges, potentially impacting airfreight rates and the overall cost of goods. The added complexity might also affect route planning and carrier selection as airlines adjust their networks to mitigate the regulatory impact, potentially leading to fewer direct services or altered capacity on certain lanes.