C 152/156
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
6.4.2022
3.4.
Reinvestment of ETS revenues 3.4.1.
Revenues earned from the ETS must be invested in the sector to support a socially and environmentally sustainable sector as well as a just transition.
It is well known that the aviation industry’s transition to carbon neutrality will require significant investment and the ETS is an opportunity to provide the necessary investment for this.
This investment should focus on increasing the availability and usage of SAFs, while also driving down their cost to ensure users can maintain profitability while decarbonising the sector.
3.4.2.
We welcome the Commission’s broad ambition in the aviation-related aspects of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, and support the continued development of sustainable aviation measures in both the revision of the ETS directive and the proposal for a Regulation on ensuring a level playing-field for sustainable air transport.
These two proposals are complimentary and, as such, the revenues made from the ETS should support their aims.
Therefore, ETS revenues should be used to promote access to and reduce the cost of SAFs throughout the EEA.
Furthermore, the ETS could provide financial aid to airports, fuelers and ground handling companies to transition to the new requirements for SAF availability at airfields.
3.4.3.
The revenues should also be reinvested in development projects that will further reduce the environmental impact of aviation.
Technology such as hydrogen fuels are an option to reduce the impact of aviation in the long-term.
Such technology, however, is cost prohibitive and remains far away from reaching application in the market, although investment in hydrogen projects and other alternative fuels will support cost reduction and higher uptake over time.
3.4.4.
Revenues must also support a just transition for workers in the aviation industry who have been negatively affected due to climate change.
It is anticipated that certain aviation infrastructure will become defunct over time as technology develops.
These workers could be left without jobs, and reskilling and upskilling opportunities are required so that these workers can transition to new green and sustainable jobs.
To implement this, an aviation social fund could be created that will allow for the training and transition of aviation workers.
Such a fund could be managed by the European Commission, with the support of both employers and trade unions.
3.4.5.
In addition to the fund, the Commission should engage with EWCs, sectoral social dialogue committees and other joint forums, such as the Aviation Roundtable, on the continued impact of the revised ETS throughout its implementation.
Particular consideration should be given to engaging in social dialogue with workers and to understanding the needs and concerns they have in relation to sustainable aviation and the just transition in the sector.
3.5.
Expansion of inter-modal transport 3.5.1.
Inter-modal transport is an easy and cost-effective way to immediately reduce the climate impact of transport.
Today, many airlines already allow passengers to purchase inter-modal tickets, particularly through agreements with rail operators.
Such agreements allow for an overall reduction in flights, but also promote the use of sustainable mass transport in an efficient way.
3.5.2.
The proposal should encourage operators to develop inter-modal transport networks in their major bases to allow expansion to a greater network, while also reducing unnecessary ultra-short-haul flights.
This could be encouraged by increasing the level of free allowances in their place elsewhere in the airline’s network to areas that do not have convenient rail connections when airlines move routes to non-aviation modes of transport.
3.6.
Regional connectivity 3.6.1.
In the absence of an alternative form of transport, there is a risk that the ETS could lead to reduced connectivity to remote regions of Europe.
It is essential that any action taken must not threaten connectivity to peripheral European regions and Member States.
3.6.2.
Peripheral regions rely on aviation to ensure their connectivity and economic development.
Their reliance is due to their remoteness, small size, insularity and heavy dependence on connectivity to the continent for goods, access to services, connectivity and territorial cohesion.