The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is a global initiative designed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to manage the climate impact of international flights. For airlines, airports, and regulators, it raises a number of practical questions—how it works, who it applies to, and what it means for future operations. Below, we address the most frequently asked questions to provide clarity on CORSIA’s role in shaping sustainable aviation.
Frequently Asked Questions About CORSIA
1. What is CORSIA in simple terms?
CORSIA is a global market-based measure that requires airlines to monitor and offset CO₂ emissions from international flights. When emissions exceed a set baseline, airlines must purchase eligible carbon credits or use sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) to balance their climate impact.
2. Who does CORSIA apply to?
CORSIA applies to airlines operating international routes. Domestic flights are not covered. Exemptions exist for small operators, certain developing states, and specific flight categories such as humanitarian or government operations.
3. How do airlines comply with CORSIA?
Compliance involves three steps:
- Monitoring – Airlines measure fuel use and resulting emissions.
- Reporting – Data is reported to national authorities using ICAO-approved templates and tools.
- Offsetting – Airlines purchase carbon credits or claim reductions from eligible fuels to cover emissions growth.
4. What counts as an eligible carbon credit under CORSIA?
Only credits from ICAO-approved programs qualify. These credits must meet strict criteria, ensuring they represent real, additional, and permanent emissions reductions. Projects often include renewable energy, reforestation, or other verified climate-positive activities.
5. What roles do airports and regulators play?
- Airports: While not directly responsible for offsetting, airports support compliance by facilitating access to sustainable fuels and improving infrastructure efficiency.
- Regulators: National authorities oversee data collection, enforce compliance, and report aggregated results to ICAO.
6. How does CORSIA encourage the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs)?
CORSIA recognizes SAFs as an eligible way to reduce offsetting obligations. Airlines using certified SAFs can lower their reported emissions, making SAF adoption both a compliance tool and a pathway to long-term decarbonization.
7. Why does CORSIA matter for the aviation industry?
CORSIA ensures that international aviation can continue to grow while managing its climate impact. Beyond regulatory compliance, it enhances the industry’s credibility, fosters innovation, and creates opportunities for collaboration across stakeholders.
How VURDHAAN Helps Stakeholders with CORSIA
At VURDHAAN, we specialize in making CORSIA manageable and actionable for airlines, airports, and regulatory authorities. Our expertise lies in:
- Compliance Support: Designing monitoring, reporting, and verification systems aligned with ICAO standards.
- Carbon Market Navigation: Identifying and sourcing credible carbon credits that meet CORSIA requirements.
- SAF Strategy: Guiding investment and adoption of sustainable aviation fuels to reduce offsetting needs.
- Stakeholder Training: Equipping operational teams with the knowledge to confidently manage compliance obligations.
By blending technical expertise with a practical approach, VURDHAAN ensures that aviation stakeholders don’t just meet CORSIA obligations but also transform them into opportunities for sustainability leadership.