On April 9th, 2024, the European Commission (DG MOVE) and EASA organized a stakeholder workshop on the RefuelEU Aviation Labelling scheme, with the goal of exchanging views with the aviation representatives on the preparation of the Commission Implementing Regulation. The timeline for the adoption of the Commission Implementing Regulation involves a public consultation from June/July, with an anticipated adoption by the end of this year.
During the presentation, the Commission emphasized the importance of providing transparent carbon footprint information to passenger during flight booking. They specifically clarified that the proposal acts as a flight emissions calculator, moving away from the concept of ‘ECO-Labelling’. The labelling scheme, to be displayed during ticket booking will feature Co2 number(s), passenger kilometre for each route, operator, and aircraft type. The methodology for calculating CO2 parameters includes considerations like cargo, great circle distance, load factor, and multiple cabin types, aiming for a comprehensive estimation.
The labelling scheme is based on historical data and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage. Concerns were raised to [the] Commission regarding certain aircraft assignments during the time of booking, as aircraft can be changed even a day before and therefore the emission can be different, prompting Commission to review estimation accuracy, while they affirmed that emission data estimates based on historical data are valid.
Eligibility for the scheme extends to departures from EU Airports with over 800.000 passengers, with a list of eligibility Union airports provided by the Commission. Flights from airports outside the scope of RefuelEU (e.g. Tenerife or Madeira), can apply for the scheme but consequently will also be subject to all the obligations under RefuelEU Regulation (such as SAF delivery).
Data reporting for the scheme will be reported by aircraft operators to EASA (using EASA Sustainability Portal), with label pricing aligned with existing regulations. Aircraft operators displaying any environmental data such as CO2 emissions must adhere to Green Claims regulation, ensuring data accuracy and transparency. Moreover, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) use under the flight emissions calculator can only be physically delivered, which means that flexibility mechanism would not be accepted.
As a result, key deliverables, such as the digital reporting tool to be used, the report on the flexibility mechanism, and guidelines on exemptions to the anti-tankering obligation, remain pending further clarification by [the] Commission. A public consultation is expected to take place by June/July, and stakeholders have been recommended to provide input within the next four weeks. The Comitology Committee will take place in September, with anticipated adoption by the Commission in Q4/ 2024. The labelling scheme is the only voluntary aspect of the RefuelEU Regulation, anticipated to become mandatory within a few years.
