Major American carriers introducing ETS surcharge

Two more major American carriers have added surcharges to ticket prices in order to meet the cost of a new European Union-sponsored Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Delta Air Lines led the way in the US last week, with American Airlines and US Airways now following suit. All three carriers now issue a $3 surcharge for flights between the US and Europe on fares purchased in the United States. In Europe, Lufthansa has also said it will pass the cost of the new tax on to passengers. Following the implementation of the new regulations on January 1st, all planes touching down or taking off from airports in the European Union must now purchase permits for the carbon emitted. Authorities in India and the United States have all expressed their concerns over the programme, while China has stated its aircraft will refuse to pay.