Regulatory framework of global aviation

Abstract

Alternative fuels politics and policies take place in a legal framework of global aviation which can be described as a continuous conflict between government regulation and the principle of free market under the influence of several entities and organizations acting on international, supranational and national level. Naming their goals, tasks and responsibilities the article focusses on the legal regime for fuel used for civil aviation, especially concerning its taxation, the emission control and alternative fuels. That regime amplifies the freedom of fuel used for aviation from any duty or tax as determined in the international Chicago Convention, the regulation on taxation of aviation fuels as provided in the Council Directive 2003/96/EC on EU level and the EU ETS which applies to civil aviation. The article reflects the legal framework of alternative fuels and offers an outlook on expected changes with regard to aircraft emissions, considering international developments and those in the EU.