*[Enwl-eng] Burning fuel for no reason
ENWLine
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Thousands of empty flights fly above our heads. Transporting neither people nor goods but generating tonnes of polluting emissions. But governments can rebel against the twisted European rule that forces empty flights to happen. Let’s make them hear their voters roar louder than an aeroplane. |
Hi,
Airlines are flying empty planes across Europe, with no people or goods in them. Over 100,000 empty flights have flown over our heads this winter. All because of a law the European Commission won't let go of. [1]
In a moment when we are racing to cut emissions and save our planet, this outdated law is like a slap in the face.
Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways and other airlines are calling for a stop to this waste, and so are environmentalists. More and more people are learning about this absurd situation through the media.
The good news is that governments can rebel against this rule that fuels climate chaos. In fact, Austria has already boldly declared it will rebel. [2] Belgium, Germany and Spain have signalled they might follow suit.
Before more needless flights take off, we need to convince the governments in countries with the busiest airports, including Greece and Portugal, to follow their example, and make courageous declarations about it. Now that the tide is turning, let’s make European governments hear their voters roar louder than an aeroplane engine - will you sign the petition?
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Airlines are forced to operate empty flights, in order to keep their take off and landing rights at airports. In doing so, they emit dirty fumes equivalent to 1.4 million cars each year, but this is based on outdated European legislation. [3]
Empty flights are a symbol of the failed airline industry. One that profits at the expense of the climate and people. One that is freeloading off of public money thanks to major tax cuts and subsidies.
In the face of the climate crisis, it is nonsensical to force tens of thousands of empty planes to fly back and forth - just so airports can continue to make high profits.
Governments can change this. They can use an exemption rule in the European legislation that would allow them to ban empty flights. The Austrian government is already doing this. Other countries must follow suit! We know it’s possible because some with the busiest airports, such as Germany, Spain and Belgium have already signalled they might rebel as well.
Through our community of action, tens of thousands of us can let European governments know what their voters expect. Take action now!
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Thank you for taking action,
David (London), Virginia (Madrid) and
the entire WeMove Europe team
P.S. Ending empty flights could be the first truly European step towards a more ambitious ban of short-haul flights where rail alternatives exist. Replacing unnecessary flights would be a major step towards a transport revolution in our continent. Don’t miss this chance to kick-start it! Sign the petition now.
References:
[1]
https://www.repubblica.it/green-and-blue/2022/02/01/news/voli_fantasma_emissioni_aerei_vuoti_slot-336031992/?ref=RHTP-BG-I294524205-P11-S1-T1
https://transport.ec.europa.eu/news/aviation-slot-relief-rules-airlines-extended-2021-12-15_en
https://www.euractiv.com/section/economy-jobs/news/eu-under-pressure-on-ghost-flights/
https://www.euronews.com/green/2022/01/06/almost-2-years-into-the-pandemic-empty-flights-are-still-frying-the-planet
[2]
https://www.wienerzeitung.at/nachrichten/wirtschaft/oesterreich/2134961-Ausnahmeklausel-in-Oesterreich-ersparte-im-Winter-8.000-Leerfluege.html
[3]
https://www.climatica.lamarea.com/bruselas-niega-vuelos-fantasma/
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