30 June 2025:
In response to today’s announcement from France, Kenya, Barbados, Spain, Somalia, Benin, Sierra Leone and Antigua & Barbuda – and supported by the European Commission and the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force – that they are forming a new aviation solidarity coalition on premium flyers (first- and business- class tickets, and private jets), Aoife O’Leary, founder and CEO of Opportunity Green says:
“We congratulate these eight countries on launching this bold and much-needed coalition. This initiative is a hopeful step forward in improving aviation’s poor record on climate, and we urge other countries to follow their lead.
“Aviation has enjoyed unjustified exemptions from basic taxation – like fuel duties and VAT – for far too long, despite being one of the most climate-damaging sectors. The proposal to tax high-emitting, luxury air travel is both equitable and reasonable. It’s time we asked polluters to pay for the damage they cause – especially when those who contribute least to climate change are already bearing the brunt of its impacts.
This coalition sends a clear signal that business-as-usual in aviation is no longer acceptable. We’ll be closely watching the ICAO Assembly this September to see if other countries rise to the challenge and bring much-needed ambition to international aviation policy.”