The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is one of the most significant regulatory frameworks shaping the future of global aviation sustainability. Airlines are expected not only to monitor and report emissions but also to offset growth beyond established baselines. Preparing for CORSIA is not a last-minute task—it requires foresight, careful planning, and seamless execution. This checklist is designed to help airlines build robust compliance strategies and transform obligations into opportunities.
Step 1: Establish a Monitoring Plan
Airlines must set up systems to monitor fuel use and emissions across international flights. This includes:
- Selecting ICAO-approved monitoring methods.
- Ensuring data collection processes are accurate and consistent.
- Training staff to manage compliance tasks efficiently.
Step 2: Implement Data Reporting Systems
Accurate and transparent reporting is a cornerstone of CORSIA. Airlines should:
- Adopt digital tools for streamlined reporting.
- Align internal systems with ICAO’s templates and guidelines.
- Prepare for periodic reviews by regulatory authorities.
Step 3: Engage Accredited Verifiers
CORSIA requires independent verification of emissions reports. Airlines should:
- Contract accredited third-party verifiers early.
- Maintain clear data trails to simplify verification.
- Build internal audit processes to pre-check data before submission.
Step 4: Plan for Carbon Offsetting
Offsetting is central to CORSIA compliance. To prepare, airlines should:
- Identify credible carbon credit suppliers from ICAO-approved programs.
- Evaluate offsetting costs and budget accordingly.
- Explore project options that align with brand values (e.g., reforestation, renewable energy).
Step 5: Invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)
CORSIA recognizes the use of SAFs to reduce offsetting obligations. Airlines can gain a compliance and reputational advantage by:
- Establishing partnerships with SAF producers.
- Incorporating SAF blending into long-term fuel procurement strategies.
- Highlighting SAF use as part of corporate sustainability communications.
Step 6: Build a Long-Term Compliance Roadmap
CORSIA is not a one-time requirement; it evolves. Airlines should:
- Develop multi-year strategies that anticipate future phases.
- Integrate compliance into broader sustainability goals.
- Monitor regulatory updates and adapt plans as needed.
Step 7: Leverage Market Opportunities
While CORSIA is a compliance framework, it also opens doors for competitive advantage. Airlines can:
- Differentiate themselves by going beyond minimum requirements.
- Use sustainability achievements in investor and customer communications.
- Build partnerships with airports, regulators, and suppliers to align on decarbonization goals.
How VURDHAAN Supports Airlines with CORSIA Compliance
At VURDHAAN, we understand the complexity of aligning airline operations with ICAO’s requirements. Our approach combines deep technical expertise with practical industry insights to simplify compliance while creating added value.
We help airlines by:
- Designing end-to-end compliance roadmaps tailored to their operations.
- Building reliable monitoring, reporting, and verification systems.
- Identifying credible carbon offset and SAF opportunities.
- Turning CORSIA obligations into opportunities for leadership in sustainability.
By partnering with VURDHAAN, airlines gain not just compliance confidence but also a strategic edge in a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.