The aviation sector will likely join the European Union's emissions trading scheme to tackle pollution rather than face a fuel tax, the EU's environment chief said today.
The European Commission is currently studying three options for dealing with aviation emissions - inclusion in emissions trading, a fuel tax or extra ticket charges.
EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas told a news conference that airlines were unlikely to join the landmark system by 2012, when the first time period covered by the climate change Kyoto Protocol ends.
"It will be difficult to do it before, but we shall try," hwe said.
The EU launched its emissions trading system in January. The scheme sets limits on the amount of carbon dioxide (C02) energy-intensive installations like power plants can emit and allows them to buy or sell allowances that give them the right to release the main gas blamed for global warming.
European airports and some major airlines have come out in favour of an inclusion in the system, saying it would be more beneficial to the environment than a tax. The Commission's report on aviation is due in June or July and a final decision will not be made until then, Mr Dimas said.
The Commission is also considering adding other gases and other sectors to its system. It will review the scheme next year, but officials say there will likely not be time to make major changes -- which must get approval from other EU bodies - in time to be included in the 2008-2012 trading period.