By Ray Massey UPDATED: 04:09 EST, 6 January 2012 China's biggest airlines will not pay a new European Union tax aimed at cutting carbon emissions, their trade body has said. On New Year’s Day the EU brought airlines under its Emissions Trading Scheme, which levies a charge based on their carbon emissions. Chai Haibo, of the China Air Transport Association – which represents national flag carrier Air China – said its members would not co-operate. Threats: The China Air Transport Association, which represents airliners including Air China, said it will refuse to pay a new green tax for using airports in Europe
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China threatens to side with U.S. and Russia in bid to get EU to back down
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Washington threatened 'retaliatory measures' last month if green tax is allowed to stand
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Challenge by group of U.S. and Canadian airlines thrown out by European Court of Justice last month
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European Commission claims green tax would raise prices by between €2 and €12 per passenger
The European Commission has assessed the impact on air fares at around £10.50 per passenger, per flight to the @placeholder – or £84 for a family of four making a round trip.