THE aviation sector is facing increased pressure to play its part in cutting carbon emissions as part of the global drive to curb air pollution.

And air travellers could face higher fares to cover the cost of running the proposed new emissions trading scheme.

In a statement the European Commission said the most promising way to tackle aviation emissions is to bring aircraft operators into the EU's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

At present, the Aviation Industry had been exempt from international climate control efforts, but the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) would effectively force the aviation industry to come into line with international efforts to limit the annual output of industrial pollution into the atmosphere.

The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is one of the policies being introduced across Europe to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and combat the serious threat of climate change. Phase I of the Scheme began on January 1, 2005 and will run until December 31, 2007. Phase II will run from 2008-2012 to coincide with the first Kyoto Protocol commitment period.

At present, Co2 emissions from domestic flights are subject to emission targets under the Kyoto Protocol, but international flights are not.

Under proposals air carriers would have to purchase Co2 permits if they exceeded a early allowance - or introduce reduction measures.

Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "The UK has been a strong advocate of including aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

"The advantage of this approach is that it guarantees a specific environmental outcome in a way that other instruments do not. It also ensures that the emissions reductions required to achieve a particular environmental outcome take place in as cost-effectie a way as possible.

particular environmental outcome take place in as cost-effective way as possible."

The ETS sets an overall cap on greenhouse gas emissions, within which participating operators can buy and sell emission allowances as needed. This would create a permanent incentive for airlines to minimise their emissions.

Transport Minister Alistair Darling said: "Aviation must make a contribution. We have made it clear that the aviation sector must take its share of responsibility for tackling the problem. We believe that the best way to do this is through an emissions trading scheme."

If the Commission proposal is approved by EU Governments, then the cost of running the emissions trading scheme could add up to Euro 9 (approx. £6) to the price of a return ticket.

The Commission hopes to make a legislative proposal towards the end of 2006.

BY PAUL WILSON