Low-cost carriers face a shortfall of 77 million metric tons of carbon dioxide

"The aviation sector could face a shortfall of 77 million metric tons of carbon dioxide when it enters the European Union's emissions trading scheme (ETS). At current prices, that would cost it over €1 billion ($1.4 billion), according to a forthcoming report from consultants RDC Aviation and carbon market analysts Point Carbon (JFI Jun.15,p1). British Airways faces the largest shortfall of EU-registered airlines at 3 million tons in 2012, but US carriers will face the biggest bill. The scheme will cover all flights that land or take off within the EU, including those operated by airlines registered elsewhere, so intercontinental flights are covered. "The American carriers in the scheme will be the first sector in the US to be drawn into mandatory international emissions trading, even though it is implemented by the EU," said Andreas Arvanitakis, co-author of the report and a senior analyst at Point Carbon.
Airlines are to be issued allowances based on how much weight they carry -- including freight and passengers -- and how far. “As low-cost carriers take passengers only and no freight, they face a relatively larger shortfall,” said Peter Hind, Managing Director of RDC Aviation. Ryanair alone would face a 2.8 million ton shortfall in 2012, ahead of all Spanish or all Italian airlines. EasyJet would be 1.8 million tons short."
Source: Jet Fuel Intelligence