p2 Contents Dec11 9/12/09 22:14 Page 2
Plan for a carbon tax
is elitist and would
news
not curb emissions
GIVEN the bitter rivalry between British Airways and
Virgin Atlantic it was slightly surprising to see their
chief executives joking about whether they would
invite each other to a dinner party this week.
But nothing unites rivals like a common enemy
and that enemy was the suggestion this week that
another tax should be imposed on airlines, on top of
anything they may pay in a carbon trading scheme.
this week
The reason for this tax, proposed by the Commit-
tee on Climate Change, is to constrain demand for
air travel so the UK government can meet its carbon
reduction targets by 2050.
Taxing flying to reduce demand is questionable on
the grounds that it is regressive: it will make travel
increasingly the preserve of the wealthy.
And Willie Walsh and Steve Ridgway highlighted
another way the committee is wrong in principle. Its
report focuses on reducing demand. That is, stopping
The only way to fly-half
people from flying by making it more expensive or
by blocking expansion at most of the UK’s airports. The Rugby World Cup flew with Emirates from Heathrow to Auckland this week
The committee’s report says much less about in the safe hands of two air hostesses. New Zealand will be hosting the event
encouraging technological innovation, imposing tough in 2011 and Emirates is the first worldwide partner to be announced
standards on manufacturers for new aircraft, or ban-
ning carriers from operating older, more polluting Air. Aviation analysis.
models – all measures that would cut emissions while Airlines fight tax proposal p4 ‘Invest in clean tech’ p10
allowing economic growth based on real demand. The travel industry faces more taxes Airlines claim that encouraging
It’s an approach that involves trying to block on flying and an end to growth investment in cleaner aircraft
Britons’ innate desire to travel. at most regional airports under would do more to limit aviation’s
And in the midst of a grim recession, a policy that proposals made by a government- environmental impact than the
is based on suppressing demand for a product that backed committee this week Committee on Climate Change’s
can bring jobs and new businesses to many parts of proposal to restrict demand
the UK seems peculiar, to say the least. Refunds.
The biggest flaw in the approach is its national CAA to ‘make agents pay’ p6 Recruitment.
focus. Curbing UK regional airport The CAA plans to pursue up to Job vacancies on the rise p12
growth will not stop China building 60 agents for the cost of refunding Travel recruitment companies are
another 94 airports. And restricting UK customers booked on Atol-holder reporting strong signs of a recovery
aviation growth’s to 60% over 50 Customflights, which collapsed in the jobs market as more firms
years will not stop India’s or Abu last week look to recruit
Dhabi’s soaring by 300%.
It will just aid the economic growth Cruise. Special report.
of the UK’s competitors, while the P&O’s small ship gears up p7 Dubai’s discount gamble p14
carbon emissions float up into P&O Cruises has promised that Agencies have been bombarded
the same atmosphere. agents will receive training with special offers and discounts
Climate change is a global material on the line’s new small for holidays to Dubai, but there are
problem that needs a global ship Adonia by early next year signs customers are holding off
solution. If the UK goes it until even better deals materialise
alone, it will just be a well- Hotels.
meaning, but futile, gesture. Sandals drops resort p9 REGULARS.
The Caribbean resort operator is to Comment p16
Chris Gray
drop Dunn’s River Villaggio Golf Cruise p18
News Editor
Resort & Spa in Jamaica after 15 Operators p23
years, amid rumours that the lease Air p28
is to be increased significantly Letters p34
02 11.12.2009
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