Qatar Airways chief criticizes EU emissions law

[April 16, 2012]  ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- The head of fast-growing Gulf carrier Qatar Airways has criticized a new European policy charging airlines for their carbon pollution as an unfair tax aimed at shoring up the continent's finances.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker blasted the so-called emissions trading scheme as "a cover up for the inefficiencies of the European Union in the management of their finances." He made the comments during an aerospace conference in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Al-Baker says additional fees raised through the scheme, which has been criticized by several countries, will penalize booming Middle East airlines in particular because they are expected to add hundreds of new planes to their fleets in the coming years.

[Associated Press]

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