Sustainable Aviation Fuels:
A 30,000 Foot Perspective
Chapter 5
Regulatory and Policy Frameworks
Section 5.2
CORSIA: The Global Initiative

The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) stands as a pivotal global initiative launched by the ICAO in 2016, aimed at stabilizing CO2 emissions in the international aviation sector. CORSIA seeks to cap the growth of aviation emissions from 2020 onward and represents a major step toward the aviation industry’s commitment to combat climate change.

CORSIA’s Objectives:

  • Carbon Neutral Growth: The primary goal of CORSIA is to ensure that any increase in CO2 emissions from international flights above 2020 levels is offset, thereby achieving carbon-neutral growth.
  • Fuel Efficiency Improvement: Offer economic benefits that diminish the cost barrier associated with producing or acquiring SAFs, thereby stimulating market entry.

sky with Corsia (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) logo over

Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) System:

A rigorous MRV system underpins CORSIA, mandating all ICAO member states to track and report CO2 emissions from their carriers’ international flights. This system is critical to ensure transparency and accountability in the scheme.

Fulfillment of Offset Requirements:

Operators must calculate their offsetting obligations by comparing actual annual emissions with the baseline emissions of 2020. The usage of SAFs can reduce the net offsetting requirements, and any additional emissions must be offset through the purchase and cancellation of eligible emissions units.

CORSIA Implementation Phases:

  • Pilot Phase (2021-2023): Initial years of CORSIA are voluntary, serving as an adjustment period for countries and airlines to the scheme’s mechanisms.
  • First Phase (2024-2026): While still largely voluntary, there’s an expectation of increased participation as countries become more accustomed to CORSIA’s operations.
  • Second Phase (2027 Onward): While still largely voluntary, there’s an expectation of increased participation as countries become more accustomed to CORSIA’s operations.

Airline Responsibilities:

  • Airlines must establish robust internal systems for emissions monitoring and reporting in compliance with ICAO’s MRV guidelines.
  • Investment in SAFs is incentivized as it can lead to significant reductions in the offsetting obligations.
  • For emissions that exceed the baseline, airlines are responsible for procuring and retiring carbon credits from ICAO-endorsed projects.
  • Keeping precise and transparent records is imperative for fulfilling CORSIA’s requirements and for the necessary reporting to both national authorities and ICAO.

In essence, CORSIA is a complex but necessary instrument in the global effort to ensure sustainable growth in aviation. It demonstrates the industry’s proactive approach to environmental responsibility and sets a precedent for international cooperation on climate action.