France backs airline tax to fund aid

The French government agreed today to introduce a tax on airline tickets next year to finance development aid for poor countries…

The French government agreed today to introduce a tax on airline tickets next year to finance development aid for poor countries, a government source said.

The measure, proposed by President Jacques Chirac but criticised by the US Treasury, needs parliamentary approval before becoming law.

The source said the plan envisaged adding a €1 tax to economy class tickets for flights within Europe, and a €4 tax for flying further afield.

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