What is the Green Route Charging Solution About?

The “Green Route Charging” (Green RC) Solution makes use of the fact that the current charging scheme allows for the modulation of charges to incentivise desired behaviours; it introduces a scalable, two-step implementation process designed to modulate en-route charges. Initially, it focuses on reducing CO₂ emissions and alleviating congestion by adjusting charges to promote efficient and eco-friendly flight paths. Ultimately, it aims to address the impacts of non-CO₂ emissions as well.

Standardisation/Regulation Aspects:

The approach is in line with general ICAO principles (Doc 9082) which allow the modulation of charges, even if, in practice, no State has yet implemented this mechanism. It would be beneficial to consider regulatory changes concerning the Commission Implementing Regulations, with a view to specifying and harmonising the applicability conditions, in particular for non-CO₂ impacts.

Benefits:

Green RC has the potential to enhance flight environmental efficiency by encouraging sustainable trajectory planning, and by eliminating route inefficiencies due to current air navigation services (ANS) charging. It maintains revenue neutrality for ANSPs and overall cost neutrality for airspace users by recalibrating charges, and adheres to ICAO guidelines on gradual and modulated changes.