IATA: Swedish tax burden in aviation harms its competitiveness compared to peers

IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said (21-Nov-2018) the tax burden on aviation is a key element of competitiveness for the aviation sector. Mr de Juniac noted Sweden recently introduced a new aviation tax, charging between SEK60 (EUR5.82) and SEK400 (EUR38.80), with the stated aim of reducing the effect aviation has on climate. According to IATA, environmental taxes are an "ineffective tool to address aviation's environmental impacts", and the increased charge represents additional costs, which makes Sweden more expensive as a destination. Mr de Juniac also reported the total level of aircraft and passenger taxes and charges in Sweden is significantly higher than regional peers such as Finland, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands, making the country the fourth most expensive in Europe, after the UK, France and Germany. [more - original PR]