Press Room

Free Site Helps Operators Understand how to Comply with EU-ETS

Houston (Dec. 18, 2009) – Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. has launched the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS) Reporting Resource Center (www.eu-ets.aero), a free Web site created to help operators understand and comply with EU-ETS.

The EU-ETS Resource Center is packed with need-to-know information, tools, how-to videos, sample reporting plans and completed reports, and more—resources useful for operators no matter their level of understanding or experience with EU-ETS.

"Since the EU announced its ETS plans last spring, some confusing and conflicting information has been circulated, leaving some operators unsure of what they need to do to comply," said Laura Everington, Manager, Regulatory Services. "Things are moving fast and the fluidity of the situation makes it difficult to track. Universal developed the EU-ETS Reporting Resource Center to serve as a trusted 'home base' that operators can turn to for free information and important updates on all things EU-ETS. Whether an operator is just getting started and doesn't know where to turn, or is ready to begin recording emissions data for the voluntary EU-ETS Benchmarking Program and mandatory emissions monitoring program, there is ample free information and resources to help them along at www.eu-ets.aero."

In addition to the resources available at www.eu-ets.aero, operators, regardless of whether they are a Universal® client, can also directly contact Universal's Global Regulatory Services Team through the site.

Features of the new EU-ETS Reporting Resource Center include:

• Step-by-step written tutorials on how-to comply with EU-ETS
• Emissions calculator tools for fuel consumption, Methods A & B
• Sample completed emissions plans and reporting templates
• Video tutorials
• Important updates regarding EU-ETS
• EU-ETS links
• Direct contact information for the Universal Global Regulatory Services Team for free consultation

"The EU-ETS Reporting Resource Center was developed as a resource to help everyone in the business aviation community," said Randy Stephens, Senior Director, Specialty Products. "In addition to what's provided at www.eu-ets.aero, Universal is also providing additional EU-ETS support for our clients which will facilitate their Tonne-Kilometre (TKM) benchmark reporting."

Additional EU-ETS Support from Universal

To help operators participate in the EU-ETS TKM benchmarking program, Universal Trip Support Services is automatically providing its customers the TKM distance calculation (utilizing the approved Vincenty formula) and payload information needed to complete the annual EU-ETS benchmarking report with every trip Universal facilitates into, out of, or within the EU.

Similarly, users of UVflightplanner.com(sm), Universal's worldwide online flight planning system will now automatically get a Tonne-Kilometre distance calculation using the approved Vincenty formula on every flight plan they run into, out of, or between EU Member States.

For more information on aviation emissions reporting and any compliance issue, operators are encouraged to contact Universal's Regulatory Services Team at Worldwide: (713) 378-2734, N. America Toll-Free: (866) 864-8415 or by e-mail at eu-ets@univ-wea.com.

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As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. is proud to continue helping our clients achieve successful trips. With more than two million trip legs facilitated since our inception in 1959, Universal® has more trips, more knowledge, and more experience than any other provider. Named Best International Trip Planner by the readers of a leading industry publication, Universal's suite of products and services includes flight planning, weather, the UVair® Fueling Card, worldwide ground support from the award-winning Universal Aviation(sm), online trip tools, air-to-ground communications, and more.

CONTACT:
Louis Smyth
N. America Toll-Free: (800) 231-5600 ext. 5713
Worldwide Direct: (713) 947-5713
Mobile: (713) 306-3269
E-mail: lsmyth@univ-wea.com