IN a push to make aviation 'greener and more sustainable' the Dutch coalition government is considering the implementation of a tax on cargo and passenger flights, effective from January 1 2021.
Currently under review by the House of Representatives, the bill could generate annual revenues of EUR200 million (US$227.47 million), Freightweek, London reported.
If passed into law, the tax for all-cargo aircraft from 2021 would depend on their noise levels. The noisiest planes would pay EUR3.85 per tonne and the quietest a rate of EUR1.925 per tonne. According to the proposal, the tax would be based on the overall weight of the aircraft, therefore cargo transported in the bellyhold of a passenger aircraft could also be taxed.
'Unlike travel by car, bus or train, international flights from the Netherlands are not in any way taxed by the Dutch government,' said State Secretary for Finance, Menno Snel. 'This is a key reason for introducing a flight tax.'
The proposal includes measures to prevent a potential negative impact on Amsterdam Schiphol's role as a hub and on its international network of connections. The bill is part of efforts by the Dutch government to charge consumers and businesses for environmentally polluting behaviour.
In response to the new proposal, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said its research indicates that air passengers want governments to foster the development of new technologies and sustainable aviation fuels to lower aviation carbon emissions, rather than impose what it calls 'ineffective environmental taxes'.
'Public opinion has a clear message to governments: work with aviation to encourage investment in clean fuels, and new hybrid and electric technology. This will help airlines cut emissions in half by 2050,' said IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac.
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Currently under review by the House of Representatives, the bill could generate annual revenues of EUR200 million (US$227.47 million), Freightweek, London reported.
If passed into law, the tax for all-cargo aircraft from 2021 would depend on their noise levels. The noisiest planes would pay EUR3.85 per tonne and the quietest a rate of EUR1.925 per tonne. According to the proposal, the tax would be based on the overall weight of the aircraft, therefore cargo transported in the bellyhold of a passenger aircraft could also be taxed.
'Unlike travel by car, bus or train, international flights from the Netherlands are not in any way taxed by the Dutch government,' said State Secretary for Finance, Menno Snel. 'This is a key reason for introducing a flight tax.'
The proposal includes measures to prevent a potential negative impact on Amsterdam Schiphol's role as a hub and on its international network of connections. The bill is part of efforts by the Dutch government to charge consumers and businesses for environmentally polluting behaviour.
In response to the new proposal, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said its research indicates that air passengers want governments to foster the development of new technologies and sustainable aviation fuels to lower aviation carbon emissions, rather than impose what it calls 'ineffective environmental taxes'.
'Public opinion has a clear message to governments: work with aviation to encourage investment in clean fuels, and new hybrid and electric technology. This will help airlines cut emissions in half by 2050,' said IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac.
WORLD SHIPPING