Commercial aviation unites to promote sustainable operations
IATA and leading aviation organizations launched a joint statement to promote a more sustainable aviation model, focusing on global cooperation, the effective implementation of CORSIA, and greater mobilization of climate finance
The airline industry took a firm step toward a more sustainable future with the publication of a joint declaration spearheaded by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The document brings together leading global aviation organizations and highlights the urgent need to strengthen international cooperation to accelerate the sector's decarbonization.
The statement underscores that the leadership of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is essential for coordinating coherent global climate policies. In this regard, it calls for the full implementation of the Compensation and Reduction of International Aviation Emissions Scheme (CORSIA), a key tool for limiting the environmental impact of air transport. According to industry projections, airlines are expected to acquire more than 200 million carbon credits in the 2024-2026 phase alone, which could mobilize between $4 billion and $5 billion in climate finance. This estimate is projected to grow significantly by 2035.
Another key point of the statement is the need to activate the mechanisms of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, particularly through the issuance of permits and the release of eligible emission allowances. This will allow emissions reduction projects to move forward with greater scale, transparency, and traceability, especially in developing countries.
The statement also warns that isolated taxes and charges are not an effective long-term solution. From the industry's perspective, these types of measures can affect connectivity, discourage investment, and reduce airlines' ability to allocate resources to real mitigation projects. Instead, cooperation between industry, governments, and multilateral organizations appears to be the most effective way to achieve climate goals.
Among the organizations that endorsed the document are representatives of airlines, airports, airport operators and regional associations, including the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), reflecting Latin America's strategic role in the transition to more sustainable aviation.
Source: IATA