New aviation solidarity coalition on premium flyers

In response to today’s announcement from France, Kenya, Barbados, Spain, Somalia, Benin, Sierra Leone and Antigua & Barbuda – and supported by the European Commission and the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force – that they are forming a new aviation solidarity coalition on premium flyers (first- and business- class tickets, and private jets), Aoife O’Leary, founder and CEO of Opportunity Green says:

"We congratulate these eight countries on launching this bold and much-needed coalition. This initiative is a hopeful step forward in improving aviation’s poor record on climate, and we urge other countries to follow their lead.

“Aviation has enjoyed unjustified exemptions from basic taxation – like fuel duties and VAT – for far too long, despite being one of the most climate-damaging sectors. The proposal to tax high-emitting, luxury air travel is both equitable and reasonable. It’s time we asked polluters to pay for the damage they cause – especially when those who contribute least to climate change are already bearing the brunt of its impacts.

This coalition sends a clear signal that business-as-usual in aviation is no longer acceptable. We’ll be closely watching the ICAO Assembly this September to see if other countries rise to the challenge and bring much-needed ambition to international aviation policy.”

Opportunity Green is an NGO working to unlock the opportunities from tackling climate change using law, economics, and policy. We do this by amplifying diverse voices, forging ambitious collaborations and using legal innovation to motivate decision makers and achieve climate justice, with particular emphasis on the aviation and shipping industries.