IATA urges faster government action on releasing carbon credits for airline emissions compliance

“CORSIA is a vital part of aviation’s global climate strategy. Through it, airlines mitigate their climate impact by funding verified emissions reductions in other sectors. In generating this climate finance CORSIA also plays a key role in both environmental and socio-economic progress, especially in developing countries. To unlock CORSIA’s climate finance potential and ensure its contribution to aviation’s decarbonization, states must authorize the release of EEUs. That is one of our top messages to the 193 member states at the ICAO Assembly,” said Yue Huang, Assistant Director Climate Policy, during an ICAO Skytalks session at the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal.

Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), added: “Africa expresses support to CORSIA. Unlocking access to CORSIA-eligible units and attracting climate finance. This will enable Africa to show commitment to sustainability and shape global solutions with regional perspectives. This is about ensuring that our economies and operators benefit fairly from the transition to a low-carbon future.”

IATA estimates that airlines will need between 146 million and 236 million EEUs during CORSIA's first phase from 2024 through 2026. However, only 15.8 million eligible credits have been made available so far by Guyana.

To help governments issue LoAs more efficiently, IATA has published guidance materials and organized workshops.

Organizations signing onto this joint statement include major airline industry associations such as Airlines for America, Airlines for Europe, Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association; carbon market groups like International Emissions Trading Association; as well as project developers including Burnstoves and UpEnergy.