THE Lufthansa Group expects to incur additional expenses of 130 million euros (US$166 million) this year from having to buy emission rights. It will pass this on to consumers.
From the start of this year, aviation is included in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and all airlines are required to hold emission rights in the form of CO2 certificates for flights to and from Europe.
In 2012, 82 per cent of the necessary certificates will be awarded to airlines free. Airlines will have to buy another 15 per cent of the certificates, with three per cent being reserved for new airlines.
“As these allocations are based on average emissions for the years 2004 to 2006, the Lufthansa Group will have to buy at least 35 per cent of the certificates it needs to represent its growth in recent years.
“As competition is tough – especially from non-EU companies, whose operations are only subject to limited emissions trading rules – Lufthansa will have to pass on the costs via higher ticket prices, as recommended by the EU. Lufthansa will therefore include the cost of purchasing the certificates in its existing fuel surcharge as of the beginning of 2012. However, it has no immediate plans to increase this surcharge,” said a statement from the group.
