Airlines reach historic deal to cut carbon emissions

Governments around the world have agreed a carbon offset and reduction scheme for international airlines, dubbed CORSIA.

Airline body IATA has congratulated states for reaching what it called an ‘historic agreement’ at the 39th assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac said: "”The historic significance of this agreement cannot be overestimated. CORSIA is the first global scheme covering an entire industrial sector. The CORSIA agreement has turned years of preparation into an effective solution for airlines to manage their carbon footprint."

CORSIA will begin with a voluntary period from 2021 to 2026, after which it will become mandatory.

“The enthusiasm and commitment of states in the voluntary period is impressive. Even states that would normally not be required to participate—small island nations and developing economies—have shown their commitment by signing up," said de Juniac.

In total, 65 states have volunteered for the first phase, which IATA said would cover 80% of growth after 2020. More states are being encouraged to join, added de Juniac, but he said CORSIA alone will not lead to a ‘sustainable future for avaition’.

"Along with this global market-based measure, the industry will continue to drive its four-pillar strategy on climate change, comprising improvements in technology, operations and infrastructure, complemented by CORSIA," he added.

“Today’s agreement shows what can be accomplished when we work together. The aviation industry understands that sustainability is critical. Airlines will continue to invest in new technology—particularly new aircraft and sustainable alternative fuels —to improve their environmental performance. And we will continue to ask governments to do their part with investments to modernize air traffic management and with supportive polices to help commercialize sustainable alternative fuels for aviation."

CORSIA will include provisions to deal with special circumstances such as those of fast-growing airlines and airlines which have made significant investments to improve environmental performance already.

“This agreement marks the end of the process to gather the political will to implement a global market-based measure for aviation. There is still a lot of technical work to ensure effective and efficient implementation; and to ensure the environmental integrity and administrative simplicity of the scheme.

"In the coming years we will be working closely with ICAO on capacity-building both for regulators and the industry,” said de Juniac.