Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary is a known critic of taxing aviation for obvious reasons and he’s certain that new technology aircraft is the only sustainable way forward.

“Aviation tax will have no impact on the fight against climate change. Aviation accounts for around 2.5% of Europe’s CO2 emission,” O’Leary said in an interview with Lovin Malta.

That being said, the European Commission has previously stated that in 2o22, direct emissions from aviation accounted for 3.8% to 4% of total EU GHG emissions. Aviation generates 13.9% of transport emissions, making it the second biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, after road transport.

The Irish businessman explained that European governments realised they’ve made a mistake in taxing air travel and recent in developments Italy and Sweden show this, and he urged that European integration through travel remains essential and in demand.

“Taxing air travel is not the way to go, what we need to do is invest in new technology aircraft which Ryanair is doing,” he said.

The Max 10 aircraft will be delivered to Ryanair in 2027 and according to O’Leary, it carries 20% more passengers per flight but burns 20% less fuel. This technology, he said, is the best way to decrease aviation’s already small carbon footprint in Europe.

The European Commission has been battling with member states over a proposed tax range for the aviation and maritime sector outlined in its Fit for 55 package which intends to reduce the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. States like Malta and Cyprus strongly opposed taxing aviation mainly due to their statuses as island-nations which make air travel an essential aspect of free movement.