Airbus says China blocking orders to protest Europe's carbon tax

gulfnews ^ | 3/10/2012

[bruinbirdman]

Move is the latest challenge to the programme aimed at fighting global warming.

Paris China is blocking orders for at least $12 billion (Dh44 billion) worth of Airbus jets to protest the European Union's emissions trading fees, in a new challenge to the programme aimed at fighting global warming, the aircraft maker said Thursday.

With some analysts warning of a brewing trade war, Airbus spokesman Stefan Schaffrath said his company is seeing "retaliation threats" from 26 countries, "in particular from China."

He said 35 orders by Chinese airlines for A330 planes are on hold because China's government is refusing to approve them. He said orders for another 10 A380 superjumbos are also under threat, and that the combined list prices of the aircraft is $12 billion.

"The economic impact is real," he said.

Officials at the Chinese Embassy in Paris could not be reached for comment.

EU officials defended the emissions system. Asked about the Airbus complaint at the daily midday briefing, EU spokesman Isaac Valero Ladron said: "I'm not in a position to make any comments about possible trade decisions. I think it's in everybody's interest to reduce greenhouse gases."

The emissions trading system went into effect at the start of the year as part of European efforts to reduce global warming.

Airlines flying to or from Europe must obtain certificates for carbon dioxide emissions.

[bruinbirdman]

From China Daily, Beijing

[Olog-hai]

So sad that a mere word from the US isn’t enough to shut down this hot air from the EU.

[pepsionice]

We are nearing the point where all the taxes and fees of a trip to Europe....equal the cost of the ticket itself. That would be like staying at a Holiday Inn room which ought to cost $75, and paying $150 instead.

[Truth29]

Good. There should be full countervailing fees levied on the Europeans for every Euro of carbon taxes.

[RayChuang88]

In short, when Airbus just can't figure out why Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines are flying large fleets of 787-8's and 787-9's by 2020, Airbus will end up blaming the EU government for losing a LOT of potential Airbus A320 Family and A350 sales....

[Longbow1969]

Good, good for China!

[CPOSharky]

Sheesh, another libtard tax to promote a useless “fix” to a non-existant problem that will result in a net economic loss for their economy.

Way to go, EU.

[PAR35]

We are nearing the point where all the taxes and fees of a trip to Europe....equal the cost of the ticket itself.

It's getting really close. I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't already there for cheap, off season tickets.

[DUMBGRUNT]

“Millions for defense, sir, but not one cent for tribute!