Report (en)

Reference/dossier no.: L271-0595

1 Introduction

1.1 Background information

As of the beginning of 2012, the emissions from all flights that take off from or land at airports in the entire European Union / European Economic Area have to be recorded in the European emissions trading scheme.

In accordance with the applicable CO2 Act, the Federal Council is obliged to take steps aimed at limiting the level of CO2 emissions from international air transport. Switzerland and the EU are currently conducting negotiations concerning the possibility of linking their emissions trading schemes. In addition to emissions trading for stationary industry facilities, the negotiations also cover measures to reduce CO2 emissions from civil aviation operations.

In order to implement emissions trading in the civil aviation sector, a specific data set is required: the number of emission rights free of charge that can be allocated per aircraft operator is calculated on the basis of tonne-kilometre data collected in advance. To oblige airlines to collect the required data, the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) prepared a draft entitled “Ordinance on the Acquisition of Data on Tonne-Kilometres performed by Aircraft” and submitted it for consultation.

1.2 Consultation procedure

The consultation procedure was held from 11 May until 30 June 2012. The country’s main air transport associations, aircraft operators and airports were invited to participate, together with the Swiss air traffic control provider, Skyguide. Other associations and interest groups were notified about the draft Ordinance in the press release concerning the simultaneously opened consultation on the CO2 Ordinance, and via the website of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).