The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said it welcomed the positive outcome of the Washington, D.C., meeting (July 31-Aug. 1) where 17 of the world’s largest aviation powers convened to discuss constructive steps towards a global deal under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to address international aviation emissions. These countries reaffirmed their continued strong opposition to the EU’s unilateral and extra-territorial inclusion of international aviation in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

The 17 non-EU governments agreed to pursue the goals of the ICAO Assembly’s 2010 Resolution, including the goal of carbon-neutral growth from 2020. On the development of Market-Based Measures (Moms), the group reconfirmed its desire to continue to explore the feasibility of a global MBM scheme, while recognizing the need to prioritize work on developing a framework for such a scheme.

Separately, IATA said it welcomed the passage of a bill in the United States Senate Commerce Committee to prohibit U.S. carriers from participating in the EU ETS. The measure passed with unanimous bi-partisan support and makes specific provision for U.S. officials to use their authority to conduct international negotiations to pursue a worldwide approach to address aircraft emissions.

IATA said it is encouraged to see that in spite of the EU’s insistence on defending its emissions trading scheme, governments outside Europe recognize the tremendous socio-economic benefits from aviation and are making determined efforts to find common ground to deliver a global solution through ICAO that is acceptable to all.