In answer to EU’s implementation of new greenhouse gases emission trading system Russia may limit the increase of flight frequency on Trans-Siberian routes for EU airlines. It has been stated by Deputy Minister of Transport, Valery Okulov. AEX.ru

"As a countermeasure we may deny the increase of flight frequency for European carriers and it will have a negative impact on their activities", - he said. Asian carriers will have significant advantage as compared to European airlines in case of Russia putting limitations on EU on Trans-Siberian routes, Okulov added.

We remind you that European Union has included all the airlines, which perform flights to its cities in the new greenhouse gases emission trading system on January 1st 2012. All the airlines, which get into the air space of EU must pay for emission of aircraft’s engines.

EU provides 85% of yearly quotes free and the airlines must pay for the rest 15%.

According to the estimates of experts, Russian airlines will be spending $20-25 million annually on acquisition of quotes.
In addition, Valery Okulov told that following the results of a conference, a declaration has been carried, which includes the “Basket of actions”, which may be used as countermeasures against European emission trading.

Among the possible countermeasures are: filing an action, using legislation to prohibit airlines from participating in emission trading system (ETS), assessing whether the EU ETS is consistent with the WTO agreements, suspending current and future discussions and/or negotiations to enhance operating rights for EU airlines or putting possible limitations on increase of flight frequency on Trans-Siberian routes for EU airlines, etc.

The “basket” includes a total of 8 paragraphs and additional article saying that other measures considered being effective and necessary may also be taken.