CORSIA Explained

CORSIA credits are carbon credits used by airlines to comply with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)—a global climate program created by the International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO).

CORSIA credits are a compliance tool for international aviation that channel private-sector funding into verified climate projects. They play a transitional role in helping the aviation sector align with global climate goals.

What is CORSIA?

CORSIA is designed to stabilize net carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from international aviation at 2019 levels. Since aircraft emissions are hard to eliminate in the short term, airlines must offset growth in emissions by purchasing eligible carbon credits.

What Are CORSIA Credits?

CORSIA credits are emissions units generated by approved environmental projects that reduce, remove, or avoid greenhouse gases—such as:

• Reforestation and afforestation

• Renewable energy (wind, solar, hydro)

• Methane capture and waste management

• Clean cookstove distribution

• Carbon removal and sequestration projects

Only credits that meet ICAO’s strict eligibility criteria (including additionality, permanence, and robust monitoring) can be used for CORSIA compliance.

Uses of CORSIA Credits

1. Regulatory compliance Airlines purchase and cancel CORSIA-eligible credits to offset emissions above their baseline.

2. Low carbon claims (aviation-specific) Airlines may use CORSIA credits to support lower carbon growth commitments for international routes.

3. Sustainable aviation transition strategy Credits serve as a bridging mechanism while airlines scale up:

   • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

   • Fleet modernisation

   • Operational efficiency improvements

Benefits of CORSIA Credits

1. Climate Impact

They finance verified emissions reduction projects worldwide, contributing to global climate mitigation.

2. Global Standardisation

CORSIA provides a single, internationally agreed framework—avoiding a patchwork of national aviation carbon regulations.

3. Market Certainty

Clear eligibility rules give airlines and carbon markets regulatory predictability through multi-year compliance phases.

4. Sustainable Development Co-Benefits

Many projects also deliver:

• Job creation

• Biodiversity protection

• Improved air quality

• Community health benefits

5. Cost-Effective Decarbonisation

Carbon credits allow airlines to manage compliance costs while investing in longer-term decarbonisation technologies.