NACC applauds passage of historic international aviation climate change agreement

OTTAWA, Oct. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC), the trade association representing Canada's largest passenger air carriers, applauds the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for reaching an agreement to implement a global carbon offset system and commends the Government of Canada for its role in reaching the accord.

The agreement endorsed at the 39^th ICAO Triennial General Assembly represents the first global market-based measure (GMBM) agreed to for greenhouse gas emissions for an individual sector. The carbon offsetting system will be phased in starting in 2021 on a voluntary basis and will become mandatory for all countries, excluding the least developed countries and nations with very low levels of aviation activity, in 2027.

"NACC applauds this historic announcement and would like to thank the Government of Canada for its proactive and instrumental effort in achieving this global consensus for this historic agreement," said George Petsikas, Acting Interim Executive Director of NACC. "NACC remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to further build on our already strong environmental record."

Under the terms of the agreement, flights to and from covered counties will be subject to the agreed carbon offset requirements. Notably, the GMBM is in the form of a carbon offsetting system mechanism, not a cap-and trade system or a carbon emissions tax. This is the only system that can maintain a viable and growing aviation sector while continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"NACC recommends the Government of Canada use the ICAO model to create a similar federal offset mechanism specifically for emissions from airlines operating domestically, which experts have concluded will reduce emissions and keep the Canadian industry competitive, supporting future growth." added Petsikas.

The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) is the trade association representing Canada's largest national and international passenger air carriers: Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP and WestJet. We promote safe, sustainable and competitive air travel through the development of policies, regulations and legislation that foster a world-class transportation system. Collectively, our member airlines carry over 50 million passengers annually, directly employ 46,000 people and create over 260,000 jobs.

SOURCE National Airlines Council of Canada

George Petsikas, Acting Interim Executive Director, National Airlines Council of Canada, Tel.: [phone] ext. 103