From 2011, the ETS requires airlines to cut carbon emissions by 3% in the first year and 5% in 2012 and subsequent years.
According to the European Regions Airline Association, the scheme will cost carriers €7bn (£5.5bn) in the first two years of implementation and €90bn (£71bn) over 10 years. It warned that as a result some airlines will ‘inevitably go under’.
Elsewhere Ryanair claimed passengers will pay €50 (£40) per person more per flight following the ruling.
The airline's chief executive, Michael O’Leary, said: ‘These clowns in the European Parliament seem determined to destroy the European airline industry with these discriminatory taxation penalties.’
Meanwhile the International Air Carrier Association, which represents 38 airlines serving the leisure industry, also expressed disappointment.
Director general Sylviane Lust said: ‘Today’s vote creates the worst of all worlds, with even more financial pressure on airlines without any proven benefits for the environment.
‘Policymakers have succeeded in diverting any potential investment by airlines in new fleet and technology.’
However, the situation could have been worse. The European Parliament initially wanted harsher laws to apply to airlines, but yesterday agreed on a compromise agreement with the European Council.
Related stories from e-tid.com:
TUI airline chief in plea to EU (25/06/08)
European carriers demand rethink on ETS (30/05/08)
Industry signs up to IATA’s green strategy (22/04/08)
Airlines granted one-year emissions reprieve (21/12/07)
Airlines criticise ‘political’ emissions decision (15/11/07)
ICAO rejects EU emissions plan (01/10/07)