On August 1, 2011, the China Air Transport Association (CATA) held a seminar in Beijing with regard to the EU ETS. The theme was "Green Aviation with Low Carbon Flights, Promoting the Sustainable Development of the Air Transport Industry".

The International Air Transport Association, the Air Transport Association of America, and the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines actively responded to the invitation and sent representatives for the meeting. Some members of the China Air Transport Association attended the seminar. They were: Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Shandong Airlines. Delegates representing global airlines with influence also took part in the event. They came from Air Algerie, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, Delta Airlines, EVA Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Pakistan Airlines, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and United Airlines.

The delegates discussed the issues related to the incorporation of air transport industry into the EU ETS and the serious impact that will or may have on the global airline operation and its sustainable development.

The delegates agreed that:

Parties support the concept of Green Aviation with Low Carbon Flights. We hold it firmly that the EU ETS is a violation of relevant instruments of international law and detrimental to the sovereignty of other countries. This unilateral action will seriously undermine the sound and sustainable development of the global air transport industry. We are strongly opposed to such a plan.

Parties call upon the governments to give attention and support to our position against the planned inclusion of airlines into the EU ETS, and work together with us to promote the sustainable advancement of the international aviation industry.