Consumer watchdogs warn airlines against false claims

 

BY PAUL TENTENA

Consumer watchdogs under their umbrella body the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN), a worldwide network of more than 70 consumer protection authorities, have advised airlines to review their commercial practices and ensure that their environmental claims comply with consumer protection law.

The global aviation sector is responsible for an estimated ~3% of the annual net emissions of carbon dioxide produced by human activity, and additional non-Carbondioxide warming effects.

ICPEN, in a letter seen by the East African Business Notifier, said they want airlines to raise standards in the way they make environmental claims to ensure that consumers are able to make informed choices based on claims that are accurate and clear, relevant in the context of a product or service, and based on reliable and scientifically-based evidence.

“Giving consumers greater confidence to identify those airlines that they consider to be making the greatest effort to reduce emissions will help to drive innovation and investment in more sustainable technology within the aviation industry.

“This drive to innovate and invest will also help the aviation industry to achieve climate goals set for the sector,” noted ICPEN in a joint letter.

ICPEN advised airlines to review their environmental marketing practices to ensure compliance with consumer protection law.

“Airlines should ensure that any claims made are truthful, clear and accurate, make environmental claims only when they have sufficient evidence to support the claim and refrain from using vague and general claims,” noted ICPEN in the letter.

ICPEN, which includes the COMESA Competition Commission for the COMESA 21 member countries, added that airlines should focus on environmental or social measures only when significant to the environmental impact of the airline’s operations as a whole.

“Instead of making claims about future aspirations, focus on the specific measures already taken or currently being undertaken to reach these goals.

“Where a claim requires action by the consumer, and this is not readily apparent, explain clearly what action needs to be taken. Ensure that sustainability claims that reference the use of carbon offsets and/or alternative fuels are transparent, accurate, and, at a minimum, adhere to widely recognized quality standards,” stressed ICPEN letter to aviators.

The letter emphasized that sustainability claims should not create a misleading impression about the overall impact of the airline or the act of flying.

“For example, if a business is making an environmental claim based only on offsetting and it has not actually reduced its carbon emissions, this should be made clear to the consumer.”